The Kenyan government has canceled school reopening on 29th April following the ongoing heavy rains that have damaged infrastructure and led to over 200 deaths. True to that, most schools around the country lack quality amenities, with some already destroyed by flash floods.
According to the local media, over 100 schools are flooded, some showing signs of vulnerability through cracked or collapsed walls and roofs. Moreover, schooling children are among the over 200,000 people affected by the climatic calamity.
The flood’s worst-case scenarios have involved collapsed houses, landslides, and public transport accidents. For instance, 6 people died after a collapse in a sinkhole created by the excess flooding in Murang’a County. Another 70 died in Mai Mahiu, thus showing the magnitude of the heavy rains.
Therefore, the climate change situation in Kenya is getting worse, with others succumbing during rescuing. This was the case in Athi, where a boat donated by the UN capsized due to overloading. Over 15 bodies have been recovered, and the search for the others is still continuing.
Tanzania is another East African nation facing the havoc of the floods, with over 155 deaths recorded. Like Kenya, the country is struggling to execute rescue measures. Nonetheless, the two governments have made efforts to warn its citizens and red zones to avoid. Kenyans have been urged to find higher ground and stay away from water bodies like lakes and rivers.
However, the governments have faced criticism for their unpreparedness and lack of urgency. With the rains projected to continue throughout May, the respective authorities, including the Ministry of Education to help protect the vulnerable. According to the ministry, schools are set to reopen on May 6.
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