Kenya flooding persists, wiping away livelihoods and lives

(8 May 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kiambu, Kenya - 07 May 2024
1. Various of flooding
2. Various of people walking through flooded area
3. Various of Charles Otieno, an affected car repair shop owner, inspecting his shop
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Charles Otieno, Garage Owner:
“We are stranded. I have a garage, since the rain started, it is now three weeks. My vehicles are here. They are stuck, I have nothing to eat."
5. Various of Otieno inspecting his shop
6. Various of Nancy Nafula, a flood victim, arranging her house
7. SOUNDBITE (Kiswahili) Nancy Nafula, flood victim:
"We anticipated some rainfall, but nothing of this magnitude. It's been three weeks now, and the water has inundated the factory where I'm employed, rendering us unable to work. With no alternative job opportunities available and dwindling finances, the situation is dire."
8. Various of people walking through flooded area


STORYLINE:
As heavy rains persist in Kenya, the nation grapples with the catastrophic consequences of flooding triggered by the incessant downpour wreaking havoc on livelihoods.

In the wake of weeks of relentless rainfall, many individuals find themselves unable to conduct business as their premises have been submerged under water.

In Kiambu, Charles Otieno, owner of a car repair shop, wades through pools of water to attend to customers in a determined effort to provide for his family of two.

Nearby, Nancy Nafula, a mother of three, grapples with the harsh reality of being rendered homeless by the floods.

The inundation has not only disrupted her ability to work but has also left her anxious about the future.

The government last week told those living near rivers, dams and other flood-prone areas to vacate amid heavy rains that have left 238 people dead in recent weeks.

Over 200 thousand people are affected with over 40 thousand households displaced according to figures from the interior ministry.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued warnings, saying the rains will persist until the end of May.

AP Video shot by Desmond Tiro


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