Kenya postpones reopening of schools for a week as flood-related deaths near 100 – Firstpost

Due to persistent flooding brought on by heavy rains, Kenya has delayed the reopening of its schools by one week. Since mid-March, the number of flood-related deaths in the East African nation has approached 100.

According to the Education Ministry, several schools are still “adversely affected” by the water as of Sunday night. More than 100 schools were reportedly flooded, with several experiencing wall collapses and roof blowouts, according to local media.

Instead of reopening on Monday, all schools will now open on May 6.

Following a boat capsize in the northern Garissa county on Sunday night, the number of people killed in Kenya’s floods is projected to grow from the current ninety-three. The Kenyan Red Cross said it had rescued 23 people from the boat, but more than a dozen people were still missing.

Heavy rains have been pounding the country since mid-March and the Meteorology Department has warned of more rainfall.

The East African region is experiencing flooding due to the heavy rains, and 155 people have reportedly died in Tanzania while more than 200,000 people are affected in neighboring Burundi.

The highest number of deaths in Kenya have been reported in the capital, Nairobi, according to police records.

Kenya’s main airport was flooded on Saturday, forcing some flights to be diverted, as videos of a flooded runway, terminals and cargo section were shared online.

The airport’s manager, Henry Kegoye, said the flooding was from ongoing refurbishment work that was due to be completed in June. Heavy rains had overwhelmed a temporary drainage system set up by the contractor.

More than 200,000 people across the country have been affected by the floods, with houses in flood-prone areas submerged and people seeking refuge in schools.

President William Ruto had instructed the National Youth Service to provide land for use as a temporary camp for those affected.