The current heavy rains coupled with disastrous floods in several parts of Kenya is a reminder that nature is destructive when triggered.

Over a hundred lives have been lost, property amounting to millions destroyed and survival of a million species threatened.

Climate change debate has been heightened but with little effort. Maybe because of meagre resources to address the mitigation measures like tree growing and use of clean energy.

The fact is that human beings are destroying nature at an unprecedented rate, hence putting lives at danger.

Tens of thousands of people in Kenya have lost their livestock, farmland, and homes due to the floods.

The latest report from the Ministry of Interior and national coordination dated 30th April 2024, 169 lives have been lost due to the floods with over 100 people missing. 

Aid groups describe these floods as the worst in 40 years. As it continues to pour, waterborne diseases like cholera, Bilharzia, typhoid are going to be reported if proper and strategic measures are not put in place by government and partners of goodwill.

According to the Kenya meteorological department between 30th April to 6th May 2024, rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country with heavy rainfall events likely to occur in some parts of the highlands in the East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, North-western and North-eastern Kenya.

With available weather forecast updates, each and every one needs to be cautious and careful to protect themselves and property.

It’s prudent to move immediately to higher ground. Also, continue to check the media for emergency information.

Follow instructions from public safety officials. For instance, if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

The current situation underscores the urgent need for global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce emissions. As our planet warms, extreme weather events like these become more frequent and severe.