Kenya braces for Cyclone Hidaya after devastating floods claim 210 lives

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - The death toll from floods in Kenya has risen to 210, said Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday during an address from State House in Nairobi.

"The weight of tragic events in recent weeks has tested our nation's resilience in the wake of unprecedented challenges," said Ruto, cautioning that Kenya may face its first-ever cyclone this weekend.

He said that Cyclone Hidaya is predicted to bring torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves.

In response to the crisis, Ruto directed the Ministry of Education to postpone the reopening of all schools for the second term until further notice.

The president also instructed the Ministry of Interior to coordinate the relocation and evacuation of affected residents, identify temporary shelter sites, and oversee support programs.

To bolster disaster response and mitigation efforts nationwide, the Treasury Ministry has been tasked with providing adequate resources and collaborating with development partners to procure and distribute essential supplies such as food and medical items.

The Kenyan president also warned that the situation could worsen as water levels in the Seven Forks Hydro-Electric power dams, including Masinga and Kiambere, have reached historic highs, threatening to overflow into neighboring settlements in Garissa and Tana River counties.

He urged citizens to support ecosystem restoration efforts, including the ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees nationwide within the next decade.