Floods kill 186 across Kenya: UN agency

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The death toll from heavy rain and flooding across Kenya has risen to 186 people, while an estimated 800,000 people have been affected, a UN humanitarian agency said on Thursday.

Citing figures from the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the number includes about 300,000 who have been displaced and nearly 100 injured, although many of those displaced have begun to return home.

"Children have been severely affected. There are reports of unaccompanied and separated children due to the floods and heightened protection risks for women and girls," OCHA said in its Flash Update.

People walk in floodwaters after the Tana River overflowed in Garsen, in coastal region of Kenya, May 7, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

The heavy downpours that started in April have paralyzed transport in several parts of the country. Weather forecasts predict that the current weather pattern may still persist for some time.

According to official statistics, over 739 schools have closed temporarily due to floods, affecting more than 100,000 children.

"Health partners remain concerned regarding the increased risk of health emergencies, including cholera outbreaks in affected areas, due to poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water," said OCHA.

(Cover: Villagers of Onkolde are evacuated by a Kenya's Red Cross boat from their flooded village after the Tana River overflowed in coastal region of Kenya, April 27, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency