Kenya has delayed the opening of schools for seven days due to the effects of major floods caused by heavy rains that have hit the East African country since mid-March and have claimed nearly 100 lives so far. An estimated 93 people have died in the floods and the number is expected to rise after a boat overturned in the northern Garissa district last night.
The Kenyan Red Cross said 23 people had been rescued from the boat, but dozens were still missing.
In the announcement of the Ministry of Education, it is stated that some schools were badly damaged in the floods. Local media reported that more than 100 schools were flooded, and many had their walls and roofs collapsed.
All schools that were supposed to be open today, but it has been postponed to May 6.
Heavy rains have been hitting Kenya since mid-March, and the country’s Department of Meteorology is warning of the danger of more rainfall. The largest number of victims was reported in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, where the airport was also flooded on Sunday. Videos on social networks show a flooded runway, terminal and cargo area of the airport.
More than 200,000 people across the country were affected by the floods, with houses submerged in flood-prone areas as people sought shelter in schools.
Kenyan President William Ruto has asked the National Youth Service to provide land for temporary camps for those affected by the floods. The East African region is experiencing flooding due to heavy rains, with 155 people reported dead in Tanzania, while more than 200,000 have been affected in neighboring Burundi, Beta reports.
Photo: illustration
