Heavy rains in Kenya have caused an emergency situation, killing at least 70 people and forcing over 36,000 families to flee their homes, Kenyan President William Ruto said on Saturday.
"Unfortunately, we have lost 70 people across Kenya because of these rains, and about 36,160 households have been displaced so far," Ruto said during a press conference.
He also said that a national disaster management center had been established to coordinate response to the ongoing crisis, adding that the Kenyan armed forces will ensure the delivery of essential supplies to areas most affected by the floods.
"The meteorological department tells us that these rains will continue and, therefore, we need to prepare ourselves for the emergency situation that is going to ensue," the Kenyan president said.
Ruto also urged his fellow countrymen to look at the benefits that the rains bring for agriculture and engage in farming, promising to provide support to farmers.
Since early November, Kenya has been experiencing torrential rains which caused floods and washed away houses and roads in the northern part of the country.