Devastating floods kill more than 180 in Kenya

Heavy rain ravaged swathes of Kenya, killing at least 180 people, destroying homes, and forcing hundreds of thousands to displace.

The torrential rains triggered numerous floods since March sweeping whole villages in Kenya as well as in neighboring Tanzania and Burundi.

The death toll in Kenya was the highest as critical infrastructure like roads and bridges have also been destroyed by floods.

Natural reserves, such as the Masai Mara, have also been ravaged by floods that stranded tourists and locals.

The economic toll is yet to be estimated. A report by Africa Climate Foundation estimates losses from drought or floods at 3 to 5% of GDP at least.

The intense rain was caused by weather phenomena like El Niño, which have led to extreme weather this year, as well as the increasing effects of climate change.

In December, heavy rainfalls forced millions of people in East Africa to abandon their houses.