At least 23 people have died after severe flooding struck Nairobi, causing widespread destruction and disrupting transport, including some air travel.
According to authorities in Kenya, heavy rains caused the Nairobi River to overflow, sweeping away people and vehicles across parts of the city. Reports indicate that more than 10 cars were carried away by strong floodwaters.
A security officer who witnessed the flooding told Reuters that he saw a person being swept away by the current during the night of March 6. The victim’s body was discovered the following morning trapped beneath a vehicle.
Government Deploys Rescue Teams
President William Ruto said he had deployed emergency response teams, including soldiers, to coordinate rescue and relief operations in affected areas. He also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the disaster.
Kenyan police confirmed that the death toll had reached 23 as search and rescue operations continued.
Flights Disrupted
The floods also affected air travel. Kenya Airways announced that some flights had been suspended due to the severe weather conditions, while others were redirected to Mombasa.
Climate Change Concerns
Environmental experts say extreme weather patterns linked to climate change have made East Africa increasingly vulnerable to severe flooding during short periods of intense rainfall, while other seasons experience prolonged drought.
Authorities have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as rescue teams continue searching for possible survivors and assessing the damage.
