Nairobi - At least seven people have died in Samburu in Kenya's Rift Valley Province as floods continued to wreck havoc across the country at the weekend.
The victims were swept away by floodwaters on Friday after the River Nzoia burst it's banks, bringing the death toll from the floods to 86 by Saturday.
Three others have been reported missing while several families are at risk following the heavy rains.
So far, four bodies, including that of a 5-year-old girl, have been recovered, according to the Kenya Red Cross, which has now intensified its humanitarian assistance in the area following flash floods.
Civic leaders in the area led, by Member of Parliament Maison Leshomo, said the situation will get out hand if urgent intervention measures are not put in place. The pastoralists are also counting losses after their livestock were also swept away.
Other parts of the country, including Rachuonyo, Moyale, Turkana, continue to experience heavy flooding and weather experts have warned of more floods in parts of Mount Elgon and have already started evacuation exercises to prevent further deaths.
The Kenya Meteorological Department warned again on Friday that the western parts of the country and the central highlands were set to continue experiencing heavy rainfall in the coming week.
A press statement sent by the Deputy Director of Meteorological Services, Peter Ambenje, indicated that the already swollen rivers Nzoia and Yala are likely to sustain their current high levels.
"Rainfall totals of more than 100mm are likely to occur around Mt. Elgon and the Cherengani Hills," he said. A total of 144 people have died since January with the death toll due to floods since March now topping 86.
