A five-year-old boy marooned by floods was rescued by the National Police Service (NPS) in Yatta, Machakos County.
The child was rescued from the perilous situation by the NPS pilots.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 23, NPS said the heavy rains in the area had caused flooding, leading to Mutuku being marooned in Nduani, Yatta.
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The young boy had been left behind by his father as the water levels began to rise dangerously.
NPS pilots, led by Captain Chief Inspector Evans Okoth, along with First Officer Captain Chief Inspector Loise Wangui and Flight Engineer Bernard Orimba, sprang into action from Wilson Airport.
"The National Police Service (NPS) Airwing Officers have this afternoon April 23, 2024, saved the life of a five-year-old boy, who was marooned by floods at Nduani in Yatta, Machakos County following the flooding caused by the ongoing heavy rains that have impounded the area. NPS pilots under Captain Chief Inspector Evans Okoth, First Officer Captain Chief Inspector Loise Wangui and Flight Engineer Mr Bernard Orimba, Superintendent of Police responded to the emergency in the flight from Wilson Airport and rescued the baby who had been left behind by his father when the water level started rising," NPS stated.
"The baby has been safely reunited with his family. NPS Airwing headed by the commandant, Captain James Kabo, Assistant Inspector General of Police is responsible for facilitating all forms of security-related aerial work by Government agencies including observation, patrol, photography, aerial survey, dropping of supplies and security equipment among others."
POLICE CHOPPER RESCUES A CHILD MAROONED BY FLOODS IN YATTA, MACHAKOS COUNTY pic.twitter.com/NogriJPgEi— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) April 23, 2024
Heavy rains, floods
Heavy rains have continued to wreak havoc in the country claiming lives and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
In an advisory by the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) on Sunday, Kenyans were warned to brace themselves for heavy downpours in the coming week.
The rains will affect several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Highlands both to the west and east of the Rift Valley.
The Southeastern Lowlands, coastal areas, and the North Eastern sector are also expected to experience significant rainfall.
According to NDMU, the heavy rainfall, exceeding 40mm within 24 hours, is anticipated to continue from April 19, 2024.
"Heavy rainfall is experienced over several parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, coastal and North Eastern sectors is expected to continue from 19 April 2024. Heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24 hours is predicted over Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including the Nairobi area, Southeast Lowlands and the Coastline on 19 April 2024. It is likely to intensify from 20th to 21 April 2024 to more than 50mm in 24hrs along the coastline and Northeastern parts of the country," NDMU stated.
Additionally, the intensity of the rainfall is forecasted to escalate, reaching over 50mm in 24 hours along the coastline and northeastern parts of the country from April 20th to 21st, 20
In addition to heavy rainfall, the weather is expected to bring gusty winds, large ocean waves, and strong southerly winds in the Southeastern sector, further exacerbating the situation.
The NDMU specifically identified numerous counties as areas of concern, including Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Nairobi, Mombasa, and many others.
Residents residing in these areas are advised to remain vigilant for potential floods, flash floods, and reduced visibility.
People affected
NDMU emphasized the risks associated with driving or walking through moving water, and open fields, and cautioned against seeking shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
Furthermore, the NDMU warned that strong winds could result in roof damage, uprooting of trees, and structural damage, while large waves may impact marine activities.
"Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream. Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes. Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage. Large waves may affect marine activities. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes," the statement by NDMU read in part.
The authority has pledged to provide prompt updates in case of any changes in the weather conditions.
NDMU addressed various government agencies and organizations, including the Presidency, relevant ministries, the Kenya Red Cross, and media outlets.
