Kenyan President William Ruto has made the decision to postpone the reopening of schools in the country due to heavy rains and floods. With more than 150,000 people displaced across Kenya, some schools remain flooded or damaged. The government is currently housing displaced individuals in schools as they await relocation to camps. The decision to postpone the school reopening was made in light of the dire weather forecasts, including the possibility of Cyclone Hidaya hitting coastal Kenya in the near future.
The postponement of school reopening comes as Kenya and other parts of East Africa continue to grapple with overwhelming flooding. The government had originally planned for schools to reopen this week but has since postponed the reopening date. Students now wait for further announcements on when schools will be reopening. Some schools are still flooded, while others have been damaged due to the severe weather conditions. Displaced individuals have been temporarily housed in schools as the government prepares to relocate them to camps.
In response to the floods, the government has ordered people living near dams and reservoirs to evacuate or be forcefully moved. Water levels at major hydroelectric dams have reached historic highs, posing a risk to those living downstream along the Tana River. Tragic incidents, such as a boat capsizing on the river and a passenger bus being swept off a bridge, have occurred in recent weeks. Despite these challenges, the government has been criticized for its inadequate response to the floods that have ravaged the country.
In neighboring Tanzania, more than 155 people have lost their lives due to the flooding, with Cyclone Hidaya expected to hit coastal areas. The impact of the floods has also been felt in Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia, where hundreds of people have been affected. With the ongoing devastation caused by the heavy rains and floods, the government is working to address the immediate needs of those affected and to mitigate the risks posed by the dangerous weather conditions. The situation remains dire as the region continues to be battered by the ongoing flooding crisis.
President Ruto’s decision to postpone the reopening of schools reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens in the face of natural disasters. As the country continues to grapple with the impact of the floods, efforts are being made to provide support to those who have been displaced and to ensure that essential services are maintained. The government’s response to the floods, however, has faced criticism, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. With weather forecasts indicating further challenges ahead, it is essential for the government to take proactive measures to protect the population and mitigate the risks posed by the ongoing flooding crisis.
