Approximately 10,000 people in northern Kenya have been displaced by flooding, with hundreds of animals drowned or missing, and many houses and businesses submerged. At least 17 people have died in the floods.
According to an indigenous ministry leader in Kenya, “At 3 a.m. on March 4, the Ewaso Nyiro river, which runs through the heart of Kenya, burst its banks and caused much destruction to the communities living along the river. Our church was completely washed away, along with many homes and livestock. We lost one of our wells, which was completely submerged.
“Several tourist hotels and campsites in Samburu Park were submerged in water. The tourists and workers were evacuated from the roofs by choppers.
“Many families are in need of food and clean water, but there is no road to get to them. Last weekend I tried to take them water, but I only got to few of our workers. The bridge joining Eastern Province and Rift Valley was cut off.”
The Kenya Meteorological Department is predicting the torrential rains will continue for two months, forecasting “enhanced” March to May rains in most of the country.
The flooding has also affected the neighboring countries of Uganda and Tanzania. A bridge in Mount Elgon, located on the Kenya-Uganda border washed away, and hundreds were killed in eastern Uganda by a landslide induced by the flooding. Dozens are left homeless in Tanzania.
Many are at great risk of contracting water-borne illnesses and of starvation, as famine nearly always follows flooding. Christian Aid is in touch with native missionaries in Kenya, able to reach those in need and offer help in the name of Christ. (500DIS)