By Andrew Ross
NAIROBI
At least 15 people have lost their lives after heavy rains pounded areas of Kenya's Narok County, resulting in flashfloods.
"We have so far recovered 15 bodies," Nathan Kigotho, director of Kenya's National Disaster Operations Center, told The Anadolu Agency.
"We had earlier reported that we had 13 bodies, but a recent tally has shown that the number stands at 15," he said.
The official warned that the death toll could rise further, as at least 30 people were still unaccounted for.
"We have asked residents to register missing persons," added Kigotho.
Most parts of the country have experienced heavy rainfall since Tuesday.
Emergency services could not access affected areas due to the resultant flooding.
"Accessing the place was a challenge for us," said Kigotho.
He went on to note that the flood-hit town of Narok, which was built on the path of a seasonal river, had an extremely poor drainage system.
"We had to wait until Wednesday to start rescue operations," the official said.
On Wednesday, videos surfaced online showing vehicles – some with people in them – being swept away by the flashfloods that ravaged Narok.
Local businessmen were left to count their losses – amounting to millions of Kenyan shillings – after their businesses were submerged by floodwater.
Kigotho said that many travelers heading for capital Nairobi had been left stranded, as most roads were still littered with debris.
Narok Governor Samuel Tunai said it was not the first time the town has been hit by flashfloods.
"Every year during the long rains we are hit by floods," he told AA by phone.
"It also happened in 2014 and 2013," said Tunai. "Our town has a very poor drainage system, something that we will have to look at."
Kenya's meteorological department has asked Narok residents to remain alert, as the area will likely see above-average rainfall in days ahead.
Earlier this month, five people were killed when flashfloods ravaged Kenya's northern town of Mandera.
