Kenya’s death toll from devastating floods has surged to 70 since the rainy season began in March, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced on Friday.
This grim update follows torrential rains that claimed over a dozen lives in the capital Nairobi alone this week.
The East African region, particularly vulnerable to climate change, has been battered by unusually heavy downpours.
The El Nino weather pattern, known for causing global temperature fluctuations, is exacerbating the situation by bringing increased rainfall to some areas like Kenya.
Mwaura explained that authorities are preparing a detailed report after a National Emergency Response Committee meeting in the wake of the extreme weather that crippled Nairobi earlier this week.
Roads were blocked, and homes in slum districts were submerged by floodwaters.
With forecasts predicting continued heavy rainfall across the country, Kenyans have been urged to remain vigilant.
This crisis extends beyond Kenya’s borders; neighboring Tanzania has reported at least 155 deaths due to floods and landslides during the current rainy season.
