Flood Death Toll Hits 49, 2,624 Families Displaced, Police Say

Flood Death Toll Hits 49, 2,624 Families Displaced, Police Say

At least 49 people have died and thousands of families have been displaced across Kenya following days of heavy rainfall that triggered widespread flooding, authorities have confirmed.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 10, the National Police Service (NPS) reported that 2,624 families have been forced from their homes after floodwaters swept through several parts of the country, destroying homes, infrastructure, and farmlands.

Police described the situation as devastating, noting that the fatalities were recorded in multiple counties affected by the ongoing rains that began intensifying late last week.

“Following the devastating rains on Friday, March 6, 2026, 49 people have unfortunately lost their lives nationwide as a result of the flooding. The National Police Service extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones during this difficult period,” the police said in the statement.

Authorities indicated that rescue operations and emergency response efforts remain ongoing in several flood-hit areas as officials work to assist displaced residents and restore access to affected communities.

The floods have also significantly disrupted government operations in some regions. According to the police report, at least 16 police stations have been damaged by rising floodwaters, complicating security and emergency response operations in the affected areas.

Despite the damage, the police assured the public that efforts are underway to maintain law enforcement services.

Officials urged residents to remain cautious, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, and to follow advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

The latest figures from the police come as humanitarian agencies continue to assess the scale of the disaster. The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that the impact of the floods could be even greater than initially estimated.

According to the humanitarian organization, families in at least 16 counties have suffered major losses, with homes, businesses, and key transport routes severely affected by floodwaters.

While police placed the number of displaced families at 2,624, the Red Cross said approximately 4,845 people have been forced to leave their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas or temporary shelters on higher ground.

The disaster has also dealt a significant blow to agriculture, a key pillar of Kenya’s economy. Preliminary assessments show that more than 20,800 acres of arable land have been destroyed, raising concerns over food security if the heavy rains persist.

Farmers in several regions have reported losing crops that were close to harvest, while flooded roads and damaged bridges have disrupted transportation of agricultural produce.

The flooding has also damaged homes, schools, and small businesses, leaving many families struggling to recover from the sudden losses.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the country throughout the week.

According to the weather agency, six major regions are likely to experience continued precipitation between Tuesday, March 10, and Sunday, March 16. These areas include Western Kenya, the Central Highlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern Lowlands, and the South Coast.

Meteorologists have advised residents in these regions to prepare for light morning showers that could intensify into heavy afternoon rainfall and cloudy nighttime conditions.

However, the weather department also indicated that the intensity of the rains has begun to reduce slightly in some areas, offering a glimmer of hope to communities that have been severely affected by the flooding.

Emergency response teams, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations continue to monitor the situation closely while providing assistance to affected families.

With the rainy season still underway, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers, warning that conditions could quickly worsen in vulnerable areas.

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Flood Death Toll Hits 49, 2,624 Families Displaced, Police Say