Extreme Flooding Overwhelms Nairobi, Authorities Struggle to Manage Crisis

Nairobi, Kenya — Nairobi is grappling with severe flooding that has escalated to "extreme levels," according to local senator Edwin Sifuna, who oversees Nairobi County.

The senator sounded the alarm on the social media platform X, posting footage that shows a neighbourhood completely inundated by muddy floodwaters, with residents visibly trapped on rooftops.

The situation in Nairobi and surrounding areas has deteriorated rapidly following overnight heavy rains, leaving hundreds marooned. "We need all national emergency services mobilized to save lives," Sifuna stated, emphasizing the urgency of the response needed.

Kenya Railways reported on Wednesday morning that the floods had severely impacted rail lines, disrupting train operations and prompting the suspension of services due to safety concerns.

Major highways such as Mombasa Road and Thika Road were submerged under floodwater, causing significant traffic jams during morning peak hours.

Additionally, the busy Namanga Road, which leads to the Tanzanian border, was overwhelmed after the nearby Athi River burst its banks.

Red Cross Kenya is actively involved in the affected areas, with response teams working to evacuate families to safety and provide other critical interventions. The organization's efforts are crucial in managing the immediate impacts of the flooding on local communities.

Residents of several estates in Nairobi have been rendered homeless as their houses were submerged by the relentless floods. The weather forecasts suggest that the heavy downpours are expected to continue, indicating that the situation may worsen before it improves.

This ongoing natural disaster highlights the challenges faced by Nairobi's local authorities in managing extreme weather events and underscores the need for comprehensive emergency preparedness and response