President William Ruto on Friday addressed the nation during the State of the Nation, revealing crucial steps the government has taken to combat the severe impact of heavy rains across the country.

He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The loss of human life, displacement of people, and destruction of property have been most profound within fragile ecosystems.”

Ruto highlighted the identification of 178 high-risk dams and water reservoirs in 33 counties, emphasizing the imminent danger they pose to nearby settlements. He stressed the necessity of evacuating areas prone to landslides and mudslides to ensure public safety.

Additionally, Ruto warned of a potential cyclone, Cyclone Hidaya, which could bring torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves, disrupting marine activities along the coast. Urging caution, he advised against risky behaviors like crossing flooded rivers or driving on waterlogged roads.

With the death toll climbing to 210 and 125 individuals injured, the need for swift action is paramount. Over 33,100 households, impacting around 165,500 people, have been displaced, with 1,967 schools affected by the relentless rains.

Ruto’s call for adherence to safety alerts and interventions underscores the gravity of the situation as the nation grapples with the ongoing crisis.