Kenya flash floods death toll rises to 62 as Ethiopia landslides kill 80

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The number of people killed by flooding triggered by heavy rains in Kenya has risen to 62, the government said Friday.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the victims comprise 46 men, eight women, and eight children.

"Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths with 33, followed by the Eastern region at 17, and the Rift Valley region with seven," the ministry said in an update released in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

The government said the floods have affected more than 10,000 households, with 4,845 people displaced and forced to seek shelter in safer areas.

The heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts across Kenya, leading to road closures, property damage, displacement and distress among the affected communities.

Saturday reports indicate that significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods has been reported.

World Health Organisation photo showing areas affected by heavy rains and flooding in Kenya. (Courtesy)

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall and urged residents to take extreme caution to prevent further loss of life. 

World Health Organisation reports indicate that heavy rains have caused flooding in 11 counties in Kenya, damaging homes, farms and critical infrastructure, including health facilities.

Over 4,300 households have been displaced.

Ethiopia declares national mourning 

Meanwhile, Ethiopia's parliament on Friday declared three days of national mourning as the death toll from floods and landslides in the southern Gamo region rose to 80.

Many are still missing after torrential rains this week in the remote Gamo zone have caused massive destruction.

In a letter posted on Facebook, the House of Representatives declared three days of mourning to start on Saturday "in honour of those who lost their lives".

It said 80 people have been confirmed dead, with search and rescue operations still ongoing. Police had earlier warned the toll could rise well over 100.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation and himself Ethiopian, earlier posted on X that thousands had been displaced by the disaster.

The WHO "immediately activated an emergency task team and deployed rapid response teams to the affected (areas) to support local health authorities", he said.

"Emergency medical supplies, including trauma kits, cholera treatment materials, nutrition kits for children, and water disinfection supplies, are being prepared for delivery," he added.

Uganda on alert

In Kampala, the government early this month warned of anticipated disaster risks and impacts due to the current "above-average" rainfall.

The listed risks include:

Landslides, mudslides, and soil erosion in highland areas of Elgon, Rwenzori, and Kigezi.

Flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas and on the lower slopes of Mountain Elgon, plus flash floods in Kampala and other cities, and urban authorities.

Water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and malaria, while food production is likely to be hit with increased incidences of livestock diseases and crop pests.

Hailstorms and strong winds, plus increased lightning strikes, are also among the risks listed by the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Office of the Prime Minister.

On Tuesday, March 11, the government warned that emergency clearing of landslides along the Rubuguri–Katojo Road to restore safe passage for motorists and local communities.

"Following ongoing heavy rains in the Kigezi sub-region, our Kabale Maintenance Station team is currently on the ground conducting emergency maintenance interventions across different affected areas.

We’re also monitoring areas along the Mgahinga—Ntebeko road for intervention as the rains subside.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while approaching the affected sections," reads a statement issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport.