Kenya continues to battle devastating flash floods as the national death toll climbed to 66 on Sunday.
While the capital, Nairobi, remains the hardest-hit region, the interior ministry warns that the risk remains high across the country as rivers continue to burst their banks.
Nairobi Under Water
Nairobi accounts for exactly half of the fatalities as 33 deaths is recorded so far. Recent overnight downpours led to several high-stakes rescues:
Matatu Rescue: The Kenya Red Cross saved 11 people trapped in a submerged minibus taxi and two children were rescued from a flooded home as water levels rose rapidly.
Meanwhile, multiple bridges have been compromised, leading to road closures and the flooding of several schools.
Why Is The Capital So Vulnerable?
Despite the heavy rainfall, residents and experts point to man-made issues as the primary drivers of the destruction ranging from blocked and inadequate drainage systems that cannot handle the seasonal volume.
Buildings and developments are also increasingly obstructing natural waterways and residents in areas like Parklands noted that while their cars were submerged in up to 2 meters of water, nearby areas with proper infrastructure remained dry.
The Response And The Reality
President William Ruto stated that authorities are actively clearing drainage systems and delivering emergency food and medical aid. However, some local resident associations claim they have been forced to clear debris themselves without government assistance.
A Regional And Global Pattern
The crisis extends beyond Kenya’s borders; neighboring Ethiopia has reported over 100 deaths due to recent landslides and floods.
Climate scientists note that while seasonal rains are normal, the intensity is being amplified by global warming. With the earth having warmed by approximately 1.1°C since the industrial era, extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and severe.
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