UN: Flash floods kill at least 32 in Kenya

Source: China Daily Asia

NAIROBI - Heavy rains and subsequent flash floods have killed at least 32 people and displaced 40,265 others across Kenya, the United Nations humanitarian agency said on Friday.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 15 people have been injured across the country as of Thursday.

"Government-led relief efforts are ongoing across the counties, with support from humanitarian partners. An estimated 20,590 people have been reached with humanitarian assistance," OCHA said in its latest flash update issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The heavy rains causing floods have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses, according to the UN

The heavy rains causing floods have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses, according to the UN.

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The government this week advised communities living in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground as hilly areas traditionally prone to mudslides are also likely to flood.

The Kenya Meteorological Department predicted that rainfall will persist across various regions of the country, with heavy downpours expected. Damage to schools, water sources, and major roads has also been reported.

According to the department, 43 out of 47 counties in the country are expected to receive heavy rainfall from April 16 to 22.

The UN agency said more than 960 livestock have been killed, and 24,010 acres (9717 hectares) of croplands destroyed by floods and heavy rainfall.

The last week of March marked the beginning of the long rains (March to May) season, which has been characterized by heavy rains and floods that have caused increased water levels in rivers, infrastructural damage, livestock and property losses, and limited road access in various regions of Kenya.