The Kenya Coast Guard Service has been directed to join in the rescue efforts alongside other emergency response agencies as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in parts of the country.
In a statement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the Kenya Coast Guard Service has been instructed to escalate its response operations to further assist in the ongoing rescue missions.
"The Kenya Coast Guard Service (@OfficialKCGS ) has also been directed to step up its response operations. The @MeteoKenya Department and road agencies are providing regular public advisories on areas likely to be affected," the statement read in part.
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Kindiki said the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) has intensified coordination among government ministries, departments, humanitarian organizations, and other relevant entities to provide support to affected individuals.
"Several parts of the country are severely affected by the adverse effects of unrelenting rains during the past week," Kindiki added.
Kindiki said it's all hands on deck to mitigate the effects of the floods in most parts of the country.
The National Police Service (NPS) is spearheading search and rescue operations on both land and air, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains include regular public advisories provided by the Meteorological Department and road agencies and warning individuals about areas prone to flooding.
Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise caution and refrain from risky behaviour in flooded or excessively wet areas to ensure their safety.
County security teams across the nation have been directed to collaborate with local government officials to facilitate the compulsory evacuation of individuals at risk.
Furthermore, the government, along with its development partners, has mobilized both food and non-food supplies to aid those displaced by the flooding.
"All available financial and human resources as well as public equipment are being deployed to mitigate the adverse effects of the raging water on life, livestock, crops, and property," Kindiki said.
Floods, aftermath
The heavy rains in most parts of the country have left a grim aftermath, claiming lives and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Major rivers like Athi River have burst their banks leaving residents stranded.
People have been displaced by the floods caused by the heavy torrential rains.
Some roads remains closed as they become impassable due to being filled up with water leading to commmuters' nightmare.
