Kenya:15 People Killed by Flood -Red Cross

By Samuel Ouma

The Kenya Red Cross Society has revealed that at least 15 people have been killed in Kenya as flood continues to wreak havoc in the East African nation.

The flood is occasioned by heavy downpours, which the country has experienced in the past week.

In a statement, the society said that at least 15,264 households have been affected and 1067 livestock have died.

"As of yesterday, 15,264 households have been affected, with 15 casualties reported and at least 1067 livestock deaths. 241 acres of agricultural farmland have been destroyed due to flash floods," said the Kenya Red Cross Society.

As it continues to rain in the country, the local authorities have been on alert to assist and save those displaced by flood.

On November 3, a pregnant woman who needed an emergency was rescued via helicopter after the ambulance she was travelling in got stuck due to raging floods.

According to the local authorities, the woman was referred to Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital in the eastern part of the country after she developed a critical condition.

She was subsequently loaded into an ambulance, but owing to severe rains, the road became impassable, causing County Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo to request help from the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which reacted instantly with a helicopter.

Kenya’s Meteorological Department last week warned of heavy rains accompanied by accompanied by gusty winds.

The Department advised the locals to be on the lookout for floods, advising people living in lowlands to move to higher places.

“Expect more than 30mm of rain in 24 hours. Heavy rainfall likely to continue from Friday, November 3, through Sunday, November 5. Rain intensity projected to decrease on Monday, November 6, especially in the southeastern lowlands and parts of the northeast," said the Meteorological Department.