At least 23 people have lost their lives due to sudden flooding in Nairobi, which also disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the largest airport in East Africa. The flooding occurred overnight on March 7, inundating streets and residential areas in the Kenyan capital.
Rescue workers have been engaged in retrieving bodies from the floodwaters, while local residents and drivers have utilized vehicles to evacuate individuals to higher ground. The situation has prompted a response from the Kenyan government.
President William Ruto announced that a team of rescuers, including military personnel, has been deployed to assist with the emergency response. Additionally, food aid from national reserves is being distributed to affected families.
In the industrial area of Grogon, rescuers reported finding bodies trapped beneath swept-away vehicles. Drivers have converted their buses into makeshift rescue vehicles to transport people to safety.
Heavy rainfall has also led to significant disruptions in air travel, with Kenya Airways reporting canceled flights and the redirection of some passengers to Mombasa.
The floodwaters have damaged electrical substations, leaving 14 neighborhoods without power. Tragically, some victims suffered electrocution from downed power lines. Local residents have described the devastation, noting that dozens of vehicles and personal belongings were swept away by the raging waters of the Nairobi River.
The flooding in Nairobi has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disruption, particularly affecting transportation and infrastructure. Emergency services are actively engaged in rescue operations and providing aid to those impacted.