Here's a rewritten version of the content that is both plagiarism-free and unique:
In a recent development, President William Ruto of Kenya has issued a critical directive, ordering the immediate evacuation of all residences situated along the nation's rivers. This decision comes in the aftermath of devastating floods that have claimed the lives of at least 169 people in the country over the past month. The president's directive follows a tragic incident near Mai Mahiu, where a torrential flood swept away numerous individuals.
President Ruto, who recently visited a school accommodating many displaced flood victims, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "All those living along rivers, what we call riparian reserves, we are giving notice from tomorrow, and we have made an announcement as government, because the way things are going, we will continue to have rains, and flooding will increase." He emphasized the need for swift action, declaring that residents have 48 hours to vacate their homes, with security forces available to provide assistance. "We are better safe than sorry," he added.
The recent disaster in Mai Mahiu occurred when a blockade in a railway tunnel caused a massive surge of water and mud, resulting in the loss of at least 46 lives, with over 50 people still unaccounted for. This catastrophe is part of a larger crisis affecting Kenya, with over 150,000 individuals displaced by the unusually heavy rains that have submerged roads and neighborhoods across more than half of the country's 47 counties. Major rivers, including the Nairobi and the Athi, have overflowed, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Local residents, like Joseph Maina from Kamuchira village near Mai Mahiu, recount harrowing experiences. Maina narrowly escaped as a large rock collided with his wooden home, leaving him clinging to the rafters, fearing for his family's safety. "We are lucky not to have been close to the river," he expressed, noting the tragic loss of many neighbors.
Rufus Muchiri, residing nearby, recalled the anticipation of the disaster, with concerns mounting about the water buildup behind the tunnel. He mentioned a warning shared on social media, advising residents to evacuate certain vulnerable areas. Tragically, when the flood struck, it claimed the lives of women and children, leaving a scene of devastation.
The Red Cross in Kenya has been active in assisting affected regions, urging residents to relocate to higher ground due to ongoing heavy rains. The adverse weather patterns experienced in East Africa, including Tanzania and Burundi, have been attributed to climate change. In Burundi, over 200,000 people have been displaced by flooding, with parts of Bujumbura submerged underwater.
Experts suggest that the intense rains in Kenya are partly due to the warming of the Indian Ocean from the El Niño effect, with conditions expected to improve in the coming months. David Koros, from Kenya’s Meteorology Department, mentioned, "The intensity of the rain will start to go down next month."