Amid the ongoing devastation caused by floods in Kenya, the United Nations on Wednesday has expressed apprehension following a surge in cholera cases reported in flood-stricken areas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that Tana River County in eastern Kenya has witnessed 44 cases of cholera, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis resulting from weeks of relentless rains and flooding.

“WHO will continue to support the health emergency response and remain vigilant for disease outbreaks that can easily spread if not quickly contained,” Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO representative in Kenya, said in a statement issued by the UN’s health agency on Tuesday about the 44 cases.

“We must be agile and ready to respond, led by government and along with the partners, to bring relief to hundreds and thousands of affected people,” Diallo said.

Stephen Jackson, the UN’s resident coordinator in Kenya, conveyed cautious optimism, stating, “I believe that between government and national and international partners, we’ll be able to contain it.” However, he underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing cholera’s potential threat.

Cholera, an acute intestinal infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, poses severe health risks, particularly to young children, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps.

Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO’s representative in Kenya, affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting health emergency responses and remaining vigilant against disease outbreaks. Diallo stressed the necessity for swift containment efforts led by the government in collaboration with partners to alleviate the plight of affected communities.

The flooding in Kenya has killed 238 people since March, according to latest government figures published by the local media, while 75 are still missing.

Across the country more than 235,000 people have been displaced as floodwaters and mudslides engulfed homes, roads and bridges.

Despite the unfolding crisis, there is a glimmer of hope as President William Ruto announced the reopening of schools after a two-week delay due to safety concerns posed by the rains.

Additionally, he declared Friday as a public holiday to honor flood victims and initiate a nationwide tree-planting campaign to mitigate future environmental risks.

Ruto, a vocal advocate for climate action, attributed the recurrent cycle of droughts and floods in the region to environmental degradation.

However, amidst the immediate crisis, there looms another potential disaster, as UN’s Jackson cautioned about the looming risk of drought, citing long-range forecasts. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, underscoring the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of relief emerged as all residents of a collapsed five-storey apartment block in Nairobi were reported safe by local authorities, signaling a rare moment of respite in the face of adversity.