storm
Already more than 300 flood deaths in East Africa
A flooded area in Kenya. Further heavy rain is forecast for the coming days. photo
© Andre Kasuku/AP/dpa
The number of deaths and homeless people is rising in East Africa after heavy rains, floods and landslides. Meteorologists cannot give the all-clear.
There are no signs of relief in the countries affected by weeks of rain East Africa: The number of people who died in Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Uganda has now risen to well over 300. In Kenya alone, a government spokesman said the number of deaths was now 169. The cabinet in Nairobi had previously met in a special meeting to discuss measures.
During a visit to Mai Mahiu in the Rift Valley, where nearly 50 people died and 26 are still missing after a dam burst on Monday, President William Ruto said residents in areas at risk of flooding or landslides should get there within 48 hours bring security. The Kenya Meteorological Service has forecast further heavy rains for the next seven days.
The water level is rising not only on the rivers, but also on the Great Lakes of East Africa due to the ongoing cloudbursts. Due to interrupted road connections and impassable bridges, goods transport to other countries in the region is also affected, such as from Uganda to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Tanzania, the coastal areas in particular are currently considered to be at risk. In connection with the rainfall there are also frequent heavy thunderstorms and high waves. In Arusha and Manyara, popular starting points for safari tourism in the East African country, there have been repeated landslides in recent days.