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    Kapital FM 92.9 The Station that Rocks!

Africa

Kenya Floods: Survivors Seek Loved Ones As Evacuation Ordered

todayMay 2, 2024

Background

Kenyans living in areas at risk of flooding or landslides will be asked to evacuate on Wednesday, the country’s president has said.

William Ruto was speaking in Mai Mahiu, north of Nairobi, where an overflowing reservoir has wiped out a swathe of houses and swept dozens of people to their death.

This is “not a time for guesswork” he said, noting the forecast for more heavy rain.

“The likelihood of flooding and people losing [their] lives is real”, he added.

Although no definitive number was given, an evacuation order of this scale is likely to target many thousands of people.

The government has told people it will help resettle them in approved areas and warned those who refuse to leave could be removed by force.

However, ministers have not yet released any detail on the evacuation plans, and it is unclear how many might have to move, and in what form they will be notified.

A government spokesman told local media there were 52 centres, including social halls, set aside to host the affected people, and more could be added if needed.

The weather agency has said heavy rains will continue until Monday in many regions of the country.

The rainy season has been extra punishing this year, and weeks of flooding have killed at least 170 people.

BBC

Written by: Blessing Nyor

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