The death toll from heavy rains and floods in Nairobi has increased to 42, as rescue operations are ongoing following widespread infrastructure damage.
The Kenyan government has reported that the toll from the recent heavy rains and flooding in Nairobi and other parts of the country has risen to 42 fatalities, up from 23 just two days prior. This natural disaster has severely disrupted transport and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. On Friday, the capital experienced intense rainfall leading to flash floods that swamped roads, swept away vehicles, and caused significant disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the country's largest airport, turning the streets into rivers and instilling fear among residents.
The floods have inflicted grave damage to infrastructure, stores, and vehicles, with dozens of cars washed away and homes inundated. Authorities have successfully recovered 172 vehicles that were swept away by the floods as they continue to assess the material and human losses. The heavy rainfall has transformed the capital's streets into waterways, leaving communities in distress and increasing the urgency for recovery efforts.
In response to the disaster, President William Ruto announced emergency measures, including the immediate release of food supplies from the national reserves to assist affected families. This action is part of broader urgent efforts to alleviate the impact of the catastrophe, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the population affected by these devastating floods.
