Some 160 Kenyans have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the ongoing flooding in some parts of the country following heavy El Nino rains.
In an update on Tuesday, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said over the last 24 hours, one person was reported dead in Kilifi, three in Taita Taveta, one in Narok and one in Homa Bay.
"We feel deeply saddened by the ongoing floods which continue to affect many communities in Kenya. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, homes and jobs because of this disaster," Mwaura said.
He said so far, at least 529,120 people from 105,824 households have also been displaced as a result of flooding.
The government, he said, is planning effectively to alleviate the effects of the heavy rains in specific areas where flooding is expected in the coming days.
A seven-day forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department said heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands and the Coast.
The forecast is for the period between December 5 and 11.
"The government has thus set up nine additional camps (5 in Tana River; 1 in Migori, 1 in Homa Bay and 2 in Voi) to accommodate the displaced citizens. The 352 refugees earlier displaced from Kakuma Refugee Camp have also been relocated," Mwaura said.
He said besides the rains destroying transport infrastructure, pressure is also mounting on the health sector following a cholera outbreak in Lamu County which has so far affected 150 people and claimed three lives.
Mwaura said 49 healthcare facilities across the country also remain compromised and are inaccessible.
He, however, said that despite the sorry state of affairs, concerted efforts are still ongoing to airlift food and nonfood supplies to persons marooned in remote areas by flood waters in 19 affected counties.
"Evacuation efforts are also ongoing with Kenya Navy Boats and Kenya Coast Guard Services mobilised under the 'Thibiti Mafuriko' operation," he said.
Mwaura reminded Kenyans to remain vigilant adhere to safety guidelines provided by state agencies and follow weather updates, especially in flood-prone areas.
In case of any emergency, call the National Disaster Operations Centre on toll-free line 0800-721-571, he said.
