35 dead as heavy rains leave trail of destruction across the country

Since the onset of the March-May rains, 35 people have been killed as the heavy downpour left a trail of destruction across the country, the Kenya Red Cross has confirmed.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Kenya Red Cross revealed that it has also rescued more than 188 people while over 27,716 acres have been submerged and 4,824 livestock have been reported dead.

"Since the onset of the March-April-May (MAM) rains, multiple counties have felt its effects, resulting in households being affected, displacements, establishment of displacement camps, submerged arable land, impacted businesses and livestock deaths," the agency said.

It also noted that 23 counties have been affected by the ongoing floods, 24,741 households impacted and 11,206 households displaced.

Nairobi River overflows and destroys the only footbridge that connects Kiambiu informal settlement in Kamukunji with the Uhuru and Buruburu areas in Embakasi West and Makadara pic.twitter.com/c9mEGo8Oj9

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 24, 2024

Also, 24 schools have been affected by the floods same as 27,716 acres of crops.

Venant Ndhigila, Head of Disaster Operations, Kenya Red Cross said they sent out 19 million SMSs to people to caution them against the impacts of rain.

"People are disregarding all the pre-caution messages. We are seeing people driving and walking through water and exposing themselves to danger," he warned.

Following the heavy downpours in various parts of Nairobi on Tuesday night, the Nairobi Red Cross Branch team has been dispatched to conduct assessments in most of the affected areas and, if needed, initiate search and rescue operations.

The Kenya Red Cross said many parts of Nairobi experienced heavy rainfall Tuesday night, resulting in flash floods in areas such as Mukuru, Mathare, Huruma, Ruaraka, Baba Dogo, Bosnia, Umoja 3, Choka, Njiru, Ruai, Utawala, Githurai, Kahawa, Eastern Bypass, Kinoo, Kijabe, Limuru, Ruiru, Graceland, Joska, Kaswito, Kicheko, Mangili, Kenyatta Road, Juja, Kitengela, and Magadi.

"The Athi River has also burst its banks, accelerating the impacts. Roads and bridges are affected, leading to heavy traffic on major roads. Our response teams are on the ground in most of these areas, evacuating families to safety and providing other life-saving interventions," the agency said.

Kenya Red Cross said 18 people, including 11 adults and seven children, were rescued on Wednesday by the Red Cross Action Team in Mradi, Mathare 4A, after becoming stranded due to floodwaters caused by heavy rains on Tuesday night in Nairobi.

"The rainfall affected numerous areas throughout the city. Other life-saving interventions are ongoing in other parts of the country," Red Cross said.

Two large trees fell across Moi Avenue near Imenti House at the Nairobi CBD, causing traffic jams on both sides of the road.

The two massive trees, situated at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Moi Avenue, outside Nairobi Sports House and Imenti House, were uprooted, blocking a key entry and exit point.

The Nairobi County response team were sent to the scene to clear the road. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes for the time being.

The scene where two large trees fell across Moi Avenue near Imenti House at the Nairobi CBD on April 24, 2024. (Photo: Martin Kinyanjui/EV) (Photo: Mary Wambui/EV)

Nairobi residents living along riverbeds and high areas have been ordered to relocate with immediate effect following various flooding cases in the city.

In a statement on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Nairobi County Government also ordered that all excavations along riparian land be suspended immediately.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during an inspection tour of Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums which is among the areas affected by floods on April 22, 2024. (Photo: Nairobi City County Government)

These directives came after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja led a meeting with various agencies in response to the heavy rains that caused flooding and property damage over the weekend.

A flooded section of Eastleigh's Second Avenue, Nairobi after the heavy rains. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

"It was resolved that all excavations along riparian have been suspended with immediate effect. All inhabitants along riverbeds and high areas must re-locate with immediate effect," Sakaja said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced that some parts of the country have a high chance of experiencing landslides due to ongoing heavy rains.

The section between Kahawa Sukari and Wendani flooded following heavy rains, vehicles forced to use alternative routes. pic.twitter.com/RYAcgEvVqF

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 24, 2024

This might be experienced on steep slopes where soils become saturated.

In its seven-day weather forecast released on Monday, the Met also said that flooding is expected in low-lying areas, those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage.

Rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country from April 23 to April 29, 2024.

Heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley.