Heavy rainfall inundated Nairobi on Saturday night, leading to significant flooding across various city areas, disrupting transportation and triggering rescue operations.
Officials confirmed that rescue teams successfully saved at least 11 individuals amid the chaos.
The flooding predominantly affected neighborhoods such as Parklands, the Central Business District (CBD), Ngong Road near Ngando, Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Eastleigh, and Riruta.
Major traffic disruptions ensued on key thoroughfares, including the Nairobi Expressway at the Museum Hill exit, Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, Lusaka Road, and sections of the CBD, as floodwaters rendered parts of these roads impassable.
Authorities reported that both the Nairobi River and the Ngong River overflowed, resulting in riverine flooding in adjacent settlements.
Rescue teams from the Kenya Red Cross Society have been deployed to address emergencies in the affected areas.
The organization’s Aqua Rescue teams have successfully rescued 11 individuals who found themselves stranded in a marooned matatu along Bunyala Road.
In a separate incident in Kilimani, responders rescued two children from a house that succumbed to rising water levels.
Emergency responders remain on-site, actively monitoring the situation as heavy rains persist. They urge residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers.
The Meteorological Department had issued warnings about the rainfall, advising agencies to prepare accordingly.
This situation follows a tragic report of at least 62 fatalities attributed to recent floods that have impacted various regions of the country, as announced by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
According to the latest updates from the ministry, the fatalities comprise 46 men, 8 women, and 8 children.
Nairobi recorded the highest death toll, with 33 lives lost, accounting for more than half of the total reported fatalities.
The Eastern region follows with 17 deaths, while the Rift Valley region has noted 7 fatalities.
Both the Nyanza and Coast regions reported two deaths each, with the Central region documenting one fatality.
Authorities assure that emergency response teams continue to monitor the situation as heavy rains persist in multiple areas, raising concerns about further flooding and potential displacement.
The Ministry emphasizes the importance of vigilance among residents in flood-prone areas, urging them to adhere to safety advisories issued by government agencies and disaster response teams.
Officials are collaborating with local authorities and humanitarian partners to support affected families and assess the extent of damage caused by the floods.
The flooding in Nairobi has resulted in damage to numerous vehicles, while several houses have also suffered significant flooding and destruction.
