At least 25 people were killed and thousands others displaced due to overnight floods in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, police have said on Saturday.
George Seda , Chief of Police in Nairobi, said the victims include 21 men and four children, with many victims drowning or dying from electrocution.
Heavy rain began on Friday and continued overnight and submerged roads, destroyed infrastructure, and disrupted flights at the main airport, prompting the deployment of the military for rescue operations.
According to the chief, more than 100 vehicles were damaged, with some overturning on the roadside and in parking bays and dozens of cars were washed away in the city.
Kenya Airways reported that some flights were diverted to Mombasa due to the severe weather.
The military has been deployed to assist and President William Ruto has directed the distribution of food relief from national reserves to affected families.
Kenya Red Cross secretary-general Ahmed Idris said search and rescue teams were working tirelessly to assist those stranded.
“We are severely limited by the traffic and the situation on what used to be roads. We are doing our best to reach those in need,” he wrote on X.
Some residents blamed the flooding on clogged drainage systems, stating that city authorities ought to have prepared by ensuring there was functional drainage infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.
Floods are a result of sustained, heavy rainfall that began in late February, marking the start of the long rains season, which has been exacerbated by poor drainage infrastructure.
Previous rain seasons have seen flooding, landslides and mudslides that have left hundreds of people dead and seen thousands of others displaced.
Further rain is expected for the next two weeks, with thunderstorms predicted for Monday.
MG/as/APA