Flood death toll hits 291, 75 still missing

The number of people killed by flooding and other impacts of the recent heavy rains has climbed to 291 with 75 individuals still unaccounted for.

This is according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who reported that two additional fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, with 188 individuals sustaining injuries.

Additionally, the ongoing floods have displaced 55,631 households, affecting approximately 278,155 individuals. Another 82,552 households, comprising about 412,763 persons, have been directly impacted.

Mwaura spoke on Thursday at Lily Academy grounds in Githurai 45, Kiambu County, during the distribution of food and essential non-food items to over 700 households.

He further revealed that 53 cholera cases have been reported and another 54 cases of dysentery have been reported at the Nyeri GK Prisons.

Mwaura also announced that Kimende area in Kiambu County has been declared a danger zone and cordoned off following a landslide.

A multi-agency team, including the Kenya Defense Forces, National Police Service, and the Red Cross, is conducting rescue missions in the area.

So far, the government has established 187 camps across 25 counties, hosting over 3,000 people. Additionally, 65,493 people have been integrated into the community following the Nairobi River evacuation exercise.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains in Central Highlands including Nairobi, Western Kenya and parts of Northwestern Kenya.