Kenya Police say atleast 10 people have died across the country, following heavy rains that triggered widespread flooding and landslides in several regions.
Authorities warned that rising river levels could pose a serious threat to communities located downstream of a major hydropower dam system.
Report says seven of the fatalities were recorded in eastern Kenya. Police also reported damage to two bridges—one in Kwale County along the coast and another in Kitui County in the east.
Meanwhile, landslides were recorded in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County in the Rift Valley.
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The rains fall within Kenya’s normal March to May wet season, but authorities say intense downpours and saturated ground have increased the risk of flooding and landslides.
Transport was disrupted after a landslide blocked the Iten–Kabarnet road near Kolol, the Kenya National Highways Authority said, adding that repairs were under way and traffic had been diverted.
The Kenya Red Cross said there were unconfirmed reports of missing persons and marooned households in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, a densely populated area of Nairobi, and that it was providing relief assistance.
Separately, the Interior Ministry placed the lower Tana River basin on high alert, warning that heavy rainfall upstream had increased inflows into reservoirs within the Seven Forks dam system and raised flood risks downstream.
The Ministry said the Tana River Delta, which is home to more than 100,000 people, could be among the areas affected.
Reuters
