Devastating Flash Floods Claim Lives in Kenya
Communities engulfed and people trapped on rooftops amidst escalating torrential rains.
At least 32 people have been killed and two are missing after flash floods swept through almost half of Kenya.
Some 103,500 people in all have been affected.
Kenya has been experiencing heavy rainfall since mid-March, with the downpours becoming more intense in the past week, resulting in widespread flooding. The Kenyan Red Cross reported conducting more than 188 rescues since the rains began in March.
In the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, some roads were closed on Wednesday and certain neighborhoods continued to be underwater following another day of heavy rain.
The situation in Nairobi has become very serious. City Senator Edwin Sifuna mentioned on his social media account that the county government is struggling to handle it all. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing all national emergency services to help save lives.
A video was posted showing residents stuck on the roofs of their homes in a neighborhood in Nairobi. The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that they had saved 18 people from the Mathare 4A area. These individuals were unable to move due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall the previous night.
It added that it was carrying out other “life-saving” operations in other parts of the country.
Residents of Mathare stand next to their destroyed houses by the Mathare river, following heavy rains in the capital, Nairobi, on April 24.
Residents of Mathare stand next to their destroyed houses by the Mathare river, following heavy rains in the capital, Nairobi, on April 24.
Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images
Heavy traffic was reported on two major highways out of Nairobi on Wednesday due to parts of them being submerged by floodwaters. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority took action by partially closing four roads that were heavily affected and issued warnings about potential flooding on two others.
In response to the situation, the Authority stated that both traffic police and their technical team are currently on the ground. Their main focus is to direct traffic and ensure the safety of motorists during this challenging time.
Kenya Railways has temporarily stopped commuter train services across the country.
In a statement, the operator mentioned that the decision was made to ensure the safety of their passengers, which is their top priority.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning about "heavy to very heavy" rainfall in certain areas of the country in a recent update. They mentioned in a statement that more rain is expected in different parts of the country based on the forecast maps for Wednesday and Thursday.
Editor's P/S:
The devastating flash floods in Kenya have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of people are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the face of extreme weather events. The heavy rainfall that has plagued the country since mid-March has overwhelmed infrastructure and wreaked havoc, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness measures.
The situation in Nairobi, the capital city, is particularly alarming. With roads closed, neighborhoods submerged, and residents stranded on rooftops, the city's infrastructure has been severely tested. The government's struggle to contain the crisis underscores the importance of coordinated efforts and the mobilization of emergency services to save lives and provide assistance to those affected. The ongoing heavy rainfall intensifies the urgency of these efforts, as more communities face the threat of flooding and displacement.
