Nairobi: Heavy rains continue to cause destruction across Kenya, where at least 10 people have died in the latest wave of flooding and landslides, raising fresh concern among authorities and communities already struggling with weeks of severe weather.
The deaths were reported mainly in eastern parts of the country, where rivers have burst their banks and floodwaters have swept through villages and farmlands. Local officials say the situation remains dangerous as more rain is expected in the coming days.
Several areas have suffered major damage to infrastructure. Bridges in counties such as Kwale and Kitui have been destroyed, cutting off transport routes and making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected communities. In the Rift Valley region, landslides have buried homes and blocked roads, adding to the growing crisis.
One of the most serious concerns now is the rising water level in a major dam. Authorities have warned that the dam could overflow if the rains continue at the same intensity. This has created fear among people living downstream, as a sudden release of water could lead to widespread flooding and more loss of life.
The current situation is part of Kenya’s long rainy season, which usually runs from March to May. However, this year the rains have been heavier and more destructive than usual. Experts say the ground is already saturated after weeks of continuous rainfall, making it easier for floods to spread quickly.
The latest deaths come on top of an already rising toll from earlier weeks. Since the rains began, more than 100 people have lost their lives across the country, and thousands have been forced to leave their homes. Many families are now living in temporary shelters, with limited access to clean water, food, and basic services.
In many affected areas, people have lost crops and livestock, which are their main sources of income. This has increased fears of food shortages in the coming months, especially in rural communities that depend heavily on farming.
Health officials are also warning about the risk of waterborne diseases, as floodwaters often contaminate drinking water sources. Children and elderly people are considered especially vulnerable.
Emergency teams are working to rescue those trapped and provide relief supplies, but their efforts are being slowed by damaged roads and difficult weather conditions. The government has urged people living in high risk areas to move to safer ground as a precaution.
The ongoing floods highlight the growing impact of extreme weather events in the region. Many experts believe that changing climate patterns are making such disasters more frequent and more intense.
As Kenya continues to battle the heavy rains, authorities are closely monitoring water levels in rivers and dams, hoping to prevent a larger disaster in the days ahead.