Deadly Flash Floods Devastate Kenya
NAIROBI — The death toll rises to 32 as flash floods wreak havoc across nearly half of Kenya, leaving two individuals missing in their wake.
A staggering 103,500 people have been impacted by the destructive force of the floods, with heavy rains persisting since mid-March and intensifying in recent days.
The Kenyan Red Cross has been tirelessly conducting over 188 rescues since the onset of the floods in March, battling against the relentless downpours.
With several roads in Nairobi forced to close due to flooding, numerous neighborhoods remain submerged under the deluge of rain, creating a desperate situation for residents.
City Senator Edwin Sifuna took to social media to express the dire conditions, calling for a national emergency response to prevent further loss of life.
Footage shared by Sifuna showed residents stranded on the rooftops of their homes in a Nairobi informal settlement, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Kenya Red Cross Society reported rescuing 18 individuals in the Mathare 4A neighborhood, who were trapped by floodwaters from heavy overnight rains in Nairobi.
As the chaos unfolded, major highways out of Nairobi experienced heavy traffic disruptions as floodwaters engulfed sections of the roads, leading to partial closures by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority.
Kenya Railways also took precautionary measures by suspending commuter train services nationwide to ensure the safety of passengers amidst the ongoing weather crisis.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall in various parts of the country, emphasizing the continued threat posed by the relentless downpours.
As the nation grapples with the devastating impact of the floods, emergency response teams remain on high alert to provide life-saving assistance to those in need. – CNN
