Floods sweep through Mathare North leaving hundreds homeless

At least four people have died and hundreds of families residing along the Nairobi River in Mathare North have been rendered homeless due to severe flooding.

The floods, which struck the area on Tuesday night, swept away numerous homes and left many residents without shelter and essential belongings.

The calamity occurred following a sudden and intense rainfall that caused the Nairobi River to burst its banks.

The swift-moving waters flooded the low-lying areas of Mathare North, a densely populated settlement in Nairobi.

Chaotic scenes erupted as families scrambled to save whatever they could from the floodwaters.

The flooding in Mathare North has not only resulted in the loss of homes but has also led to significant disruptions in daily life.



Access to clean water and sanitation facilities has become critically limited, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Many residents have lost personal belongings and livestock, which are crucial for their livelihoods. The local schools and markets have been affected too.

Albert Ingaso, a father of three was seen standing on top of his submerged house. He says he has nowhere to go after "he lost everything".

"The rain started at around 10 pm and got worse at midnight. It filled our house. We all managed to run away as we watched our things slowly get carried away by the rain. We don't have a house and we have not eaten anything since yesterday," he said.

Moses Warui, Albert's neighbour whose house was submerged said that they tried to save their things but they were overwhelmed by the floodwaters.

"I only have the clothes I'm wearing. Everything is gone and we are appealing to the government to come to our rescue," says Moses.

"Our homes were suddenly submerged, and amid the chaos, we cried out for help, especially for the safety of our children," recounts Margaret Wangui, a Mathare North resident.



She said her neighbours came to her rescue. "We managed to escape with our children. But tonight, we face uncertainty about where we'll find shelter and how our children will eat. As the rains intensify, so does our despair."

Wycliffe Anagwa shares a similar tale of upheaval caused by the relentless downpour. "I've lost track of one of my children amidst the turmoil. Our lives have been turned upside down in an instant. With schools reopening soon, my children's uniforms and books are ruined by the floods," he says.

Charles Opiyo recounts how the floods have affected his livelihood. "I had savings from my business ready for deposit, but now it's all gone. Our food supplies are washed away, and my business stock is ruined. I've lost everything – my source of income and my home," he says.



Like many others, Charles faces the recurring dilemma of where to seek refuge.

"Authorities urge us to leave the flood-prone areas, but where do we turn? Where can we go?" he posed.

Shanice Kagali said her grandmother's home was swept away while they slept.

"My grandmother is still in shock, worsened by her illness," she reveals. "Her newly built house lies in ruins, adding to our family's plight."

The floods have not only displaced countless families but also wreaked havoc on local schools. Numerous educational facilities bear severe damage, with compromised structures and collapsed walls hindering the community's recovery efforts.

According to the Red Cross, 23 counties are grappling with the aftermath of the floods, affecting 24,741 households and displacing 11,206 households.

In Nairobi, residents along riverbanks and elevated areas received orders to relocate immediately following multiple flooding incidents, as announced on Monday, April 22.

"We have nowhere else to turn," cry the affected residents, appealing to the government for sustainable aid solutions beyond mere displacement.