Residents in flood and landslide-prone areas of Kenya will be urged to evacuate on Wednesday, as announced by the country’s president, William Ruto. His statement, delivered in Mai Mahiu, north of Nairobi, came in response to a devastating event where an overflowing reservoir has destroyed homes and claimed numerous lives.
Ruto emphasized the seriousness of the situation, citing the imminent heavy rainfall forecast. “The likelihood of flooding and people losing their lives is real,” he warned, stressing the necessity for decisive action.
While the exact number affected remains unspecified, such a large-scale evacuation order is anticipated to impact thousands. This year’s rainy season has been particularly severe, with weeks of flooding resulting in the loss of at least 170 lives. However, the devastation in Mai Mahiu stands out as the most catastrophic incident thus far.
For many, the grim reality is setting in as they come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. Nancy Wanjiku, 62, recounted the tragic fate of her brother, swept away at the age of 70, as she sat amidst the ruins of her parents’ home. “My mum and dad are safe but we have lost everything,” she lamented.
Elsewhere, the heart-wrenching scene unfolded as a distraught mother learned of the discovery of her child’s body, collapsing in grief by the roadside. Meanwhile, rescue efforts persisted, with teams scouring the banks of the Ngeya River for more victims. Clad in bright yellow vests, members of the National Youth Services diligently combed through debris, hoping to uncover any signs of those missing.
Among those grappling with the aftermath is Stephen Kamau, 31, who, alongside his neighbor, sifted through the remnants of their shattered homes, piecing together what little remained.