Floods: 55 rescued from death’s jaw in Kilifi, Makueni

Red Cross has rescued 55 people in Kilifi and Makueni counties who were at risk of drowning following ongoing floods occasioned by heavy rains.

The humanitarian agency said it rescued 41 people who had been marooned by floods in Kilifi County.

The individuals include 30 adults and 11 children, it said.

They were all rescued and evacuated from Malimo to Laini within the county.

“They were marooned due to the overflowing River Sabaki,” the Red Cross said.

Elsewhere in Makueni County, the Red Cross said it had rescued 14 people by nightfall following an incident earlier in the day where a lorry was swept away by flood waters at Sultan Hamud.

At least 10 people were reported to have drowned after a lorry that attempted to cross the swollen River Kwa Muswii was swept away by raging flood waters.

The victims had hiked a lift on the lorry that was ferrying sand and was attempting to cross over to the Ngoto area in Kilome Subcounty.

Some of the survivors escaped death by a whisker by climbing on trees within the river from where the Red Cross crew rescued them.

The Meteorological department said on Friday the heavy rains pounding most parts of the country are expected to continue.

"The forecast predicts continuous rainfall in various parts of Kenya. Prepare for heavy downpours in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coastal areas, North-western, and North-eastern regions," the weatherman said.

He urged for caution to guard against drowning incidents saying flash floods are likely to occur even in areas it hasn't rained.

"Be prepared for possible flooding and travel disruptions," Met said. 

In its Thursday forecast, the department said the rains are expected to escalate to 50mm in most parts with a reduction in intensity expected from Sunday.