At least 181 people have been killed in devastating flooding triggered by heavy rains in Kenya, the government said on Wednesday.
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said that 90 people were reported missing nationwide, and 124 people have been injured and are receiving treatment in various health facilities.
The heavy rains and flooding have displaced 188,000 people, prompting the government to establish a displacement camp to provide alternative accommodation, he said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
The government has put in place measures to support evacuation and temporary shelter for those affected, with public spaces identified for temporary shelter and provision of essential supplies.
The Cabinet also disclosed that water levels at Masinga and Kiambere dams have reached historic highs. Masinga recorded its highest levels ever, surpassing those recorded on May 7, 2020. Similarly, Kiambere Dam registered its highest levels ever on April 26, surpassing the previous historic levels recorded on Nov 29, 1997.
A dam burst on Sunday night in the town of Mai Mahiu, about 60 kilometers north of Nairobi, killed 48 people and affected many others. Meantime, the resultant effects downstream, especially in Garissa and Tana River counties in eastern Kenya, could worsen the already dire situation, the Cabinet said.
Large swathes of land along Kenya's longest Tana River are currently submerged, displacing thousands of people and impacting lives and livelihoods.
Residents of the two affected counties and those living near other dams and water reservoirs must evacuate in accordance with the Cabinet's directive.
Rescue workers fear that the death toll could rise as the ongoing heavy rainfall is expected to continue this week, with floods and landslides predicted in some areas. Roads and bridges have been washed away, leaving several parts of the country inaccessible and disrupting business. The government's national multi-agency emergency response committee is working on various initiatives to help those affected by the floods.
Death toll from Kenya floods reaches 181, evacuations underway
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi noted, adding that in the face of the ever-evolving world landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve.
He said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development, Xi said.
Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is willing to improve cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and to work toward a more equal and multipolar world.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.
Xi elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term.
He said the core of the Global Security Initiative is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine issue is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Xi said China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
Putin introduced the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard, he said.
Xi said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful.
Xi said he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and lasting progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.
Putin thanked Xi for his warm hospitality, saying that he is willing to maintain close communication with Xi, implement the important consensus reached between them, and ensure the full development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
