Flash Floods and Storms Devastate Nairobi, Killing at Least 10 People

Storms and flash floods wreaked havoc in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Wednesday, turning roads into gushing rivers and swamping homes with waist-high muddy water. The devastating weather conditions have claimed the lives of at least 10 people, with many others still missing.

The East Africa region has been experiencing relentless downpours in recent weeks, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern. Across Nairobi, vehicles were stranded in the deluge, and residents in slum areas had to wade through floodwaters to reach safety.

Local police commander Fred Abuga confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies so far, with many more missing. The Nairobi county governor’s office estimates that around 60,000 people, mostly women and children, have been severely affected by the floods.

The Kenya Met Department has issued a warning of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall forecast in various parts of the country until May. In response to the crisis, Kenya Railways has temporarily suspended commuter train services, and several roads in the capital have been partly closed.

The situation in Nairobi has been described as a “city at a standstill” by residents, with Uber driver Kelvin Mwangi stating that most roads are flooded, forcing them to take longer routes or abandon their journeys altogether.

In the midst of the chaos, dramatic rescue efforts have been underway, with the Kenya Red Cross saving 18 people, including seven children, who were stranded in the Mathare slum. The organization’s workers were seen waist-high in water, carrying out rescue operations to help those in need.

The devastating impact of the floods has prompted calls for national emergency services to be mobilized to save lives. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported that the rains and floods have already claimed the lives of at least 32 people in Kenya and displaced over 40,000 since the start of the rainy season in March.

The situation is dire not only in Kenya but also in neighboring countries, with nearly 100,000 people displaced in Burundi and at least 58 people dead in Tanzania. The region is no stranger to the destructive effects of El Nino, with past events causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the storms and floods, the focus remains on providing aid and support to those affected and ensuring that emergency response efforts are coordinated to prevent further loss of life.