By Ebi Kesiena
Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced the government’s intentions to alleviate the suffering inflicted on Kenyans by raging floods destroying various parts of the country.
In a statement on Friday, Gachagua noted that the decision was reached after chairing the National Disaster Response Technical Committee meeting on Enhanced Rainfall and Floods at his Karen official residence.
According to the Deputy President, the interventions are geared towards saving lives and averting further destruction and will come as three interventions.
He said the government has allocated funds for the construction of bridges and roads that have been destroyed by the floods to enable the movement of people and learners when schools reopen.
“The government will ensure schools affected by floods will be reopened when safety measures are in place. The schools will be handled case by case to avoid exposing learners to danger,” he said.
Gachagua further announced the government will work with the Kenya Red Cross to supply food and non-food items to people displaced by the floods.
He urged Kenyans to be extra cautious and avoid flooded rivers stating that the government is determined to save lives and property.
The DP expressed gratitude for the support they have received from partners “who have been kind enough to offer assistance to boost our response.”
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Recall that 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 displaced.
In its update on Thursday, the Kenya Red Cross said floods had claimed at least 45 people since March, including 10 since Monday.
Authorities are yet to issue updated statistics but the number is believed to have surged by now in light of the new reported cases across the country. Five people were confirmed dead by drowning in Embu County on Friday as floods continue to wreak havoc in most parts of the country.
Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo said two people drowned in Mbeere South, two in Mwea and one in Embu West.
Obuo said authorities are monitoring landslides-prone areas to avert further loss of life as heavy rains continue pounding the country.
