Over 200 Dead in Kenya Due to Heavy Rain and Floods... To Make Matters Worse, a Cyclone Also Hits

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

AFP reported on the 3rd (local time) that the death toll from heavy rain and floods that have continued since mid-March in Kenya has exceeded 200.

According to the report, the Kenyan Ministry of Interior stated in a press release that an additional 22 deaths were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since mid-last month to about 210.

In addition, more than 165,000 people have lost their homes due to the continued heavy rain and floods, and 90 people are missing, raising concerns among Kenyan authorities that the death toll may increase further.

To make matters worse, the tropical cyclone "Hidaya" is also approaching. The Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the cyclone, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain, is expected to hit the eastern coast starting from the 5th, urging caution against high waves.

Nearby Tanzania also warned, "Hidaya has strengthened to reach full cyclone status around 3 a.m. today in the sea about 400 km from the southeastern city of Mtwara," adding, "Wind speeds have reached about 130 km/h and are continuing to intensify."

Meanwhile, East Africa has been experiencing floods caused by heavy rain since October last year due to the effects of the El Ni?o phenomenon.