NAIROBI, Kenya – At least 42 people in Kenya have died after severe flooding in several parts of the East African nation triggered by heavy rains and windstorms, with the capital Nairobi the worst-hit area.
Flash floods in areas, caused by days of sustained downpours have submerged houses, damage infrastructure and wash away cars, officials said, updating on Monday deaths as search and rescue efforts are still ongoing. The number was confirmed by the Interior ministry.
In Nairobi flood waters burst out the banks of the city’s Nairobi River to swamp residential areas and industrial estates, overwhelming roads and drainage systems, bringing parts of the capital city to a standstill with heavy traffic and disruptions to business operations.
Reports suggest a majority of the dead have been drowned by the force of moving water, others electrocuted by downed power lines, with the capital accounting for at least 26 of the fatalities.
Search and rescue efforts were underway in the affected areas involving all stakeholders, including police, military personnel and humanitarian groups who were helping to evacuate trapped inhabitants of flooded neighborhoods. Teams were out clearing roads and attempting to retrieve flooded vehicles.
Heavy rains that had lashed the nation for several days last week had accelerated over the weekend and turning city streets into rivers, and displaced tens of thousands from their homes. Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were also delayed or cancelled due to the severe weather.
The Ministry officials warned that the death toll was likely to increase as rescue teams continued their operations.
The Kenyan meteorological officials had earlier issued a caution for heavy rainfall for certain parts of the country in early March which could cause floods and landslides in many counties.
