- It added that it is also actively engaged in risk communication efforts to raise public awareness and promote preparedness.
- Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti toured Graceland area on Thursday and said the situation was dire.
Image: KENYA RED CROSS
Ninety-six people who were marooned by raging floods in Graceland area of Athi River have been rescued.
The Kenya Red Cross in a statement on Thursday said it rescued the flood victims with the help of a multi-agency rescue team and local community members.
The residents had been marooned by floods following Tuesday night’s heavy downpour.
KRC shared a drone footage from the International Center For Humanitarian Affairs on X which showed the effects of the flooding around Graceland area.
“As the flooding situation persists in the country, you can learn more here, redcross.or.ke/floods, about the crucial work we are continuing with the support of the National and County governments and other partners,” it said.
Intense rainfall has affected various regions in Kenya, including the Coastal area, Central areas including Nairobi, the Western Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands and North-eastern regions.
Since the onset of the March-April-May rains, multiple counties have felt its effects, resulting in households being affected and displacements.
Livestock deaths have been reported, arable lands submerged, businesses impacted and displacement camps established.
The KRC said it has proactively prepared for the challenges by ensuring prompt emergency responses, conducting search and rescue missions, prepositioning shelter kits and distributing essential supplies.
It added that it is also actively engaged in risk communication efforts to raise public awareness and promote preparedness.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti toured Graceland area on Thursday and said the situation was dire but said all those affected by the floods were evacuated to safety and no fatalities were reported.
The governor highlighted Kicheko slums, Graceland Estate, Kasuitu and Kwa Mangeli as the worst-hit areas.
The governor issued a stern warning to developers who have built on riparian land that they will be forced out to prevent further flooding and disaster in the future.
“We are going to enforce the law and ensure that those putting up buildings in such areas are evicted,” said Wavinya.
Apart from Athi River area, the floods have also caused widespread devastation in some parts of Nairobi.
Residents of the Kenyan capital woke up Wednesday to extensive property damage, following a night of relentless rainfall.
The government warned Nairobi residents to avoid flooded roads and advised those who live by the Nairobi River to move to higher grounds.