Death Toll Rises to 66 in Kenya Flooding; Nairobi Worst Hit
The death toll from severe flooding in Kenya has risen to 66, including eight children, according to the police. The worst-affected region is the capital city, Nairobi, accounting for 33 deaths. The flooding, triggered by heavy rains that started late last week, has displaced more than 2,000 families across the country, and the intense rain continues in several regions. The Kenyan government has activated a multi-agency response to mitigate the disaster.
Flood Disaster Strikes Nairobi
The heavy rainfall that began on Saturday night has wreaked havoc in several parts of Nairobi, disrupting traffic and forcing rescue teams to mobilize across the city. Eleven people were rescued overnight after a minibus taxi became stuck in the rapidly rising floodwaters. The Ministry of Interior has identified 37 'danger zone' neighborhoods along major river corridors, including the Central Business District (CBD), Kawangware, and Lang'ata. These areas are highly vulnerable to flooding under the ongoing heavy rain conditions.
Government Response and International Standards
In response to the disaster, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the government is fully mobilized. The government is fully mobilized to respond to the ongoing heavy rains and floods that have affected several parts of the country and put lives and livelihoods at risk,
he stated. The Ministry of Interior has initiated a multi-agency response to the crisis, and local leaders in Nakuru County are urging both county and national disaster management teams to act swiftly in flood-prone areas to prevent further loss of life and property.
This flooding disaster comes as Kenya has enacted a new law establishing the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority. The new law provides a comprehensive framework to regulate and coordinate meteorological services in the country, aligning with global aviation and scientific standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Consequences and Ongoing Concerns
With the flooding persisting, there are concerns about further calamities if preventive measures are not implemented promptly. The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme has been mapping flood-prone areas, but the recent disaster indicates a need for more substantial actions. The heavy rainfall has also put this year's Safari Rally in Naivasha at risk of having some stages cancelled or rerouted.
Current Status
The current situation remains critical. As heavy rains continue to batter parts of the country, at least 66 people have lost their lives, and approximately 12,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. The ongoing rains and floods continue to pose a serious threat to lives and property. Aid workers have begun pulling bodies from the floodwaters across Nairobi as the city and its inhabitants grapple with the devastating impact of the floods.