Flash floods claim lives of 38 across Kenya
The local term for the spring rainy season in the region is "masika," while a briefer period of rainfall occurring in November and December is referred to as "vuli."
PTC News Desk: Flash floods have wreaked havoc in Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 38 lives and leaving two missing, as nearly half of the country grapples with the aftermath. Over 103,500 people have been affected by the deluge.
The torrential rains, which have been pounding Kenya since mid-March, have escalated in intensity over the past week, triggering widespread flooding. The Kenyan Red Cross has been actively engaged in rescue operations, conducting over 188 rescues since the onset of the flooding in March.
In Nairobi, the capital city, the situation has reached alarming proportions. Heavy rainfall on Wednesday forced the closure of several roads, with numerous neighborhoods submerged underwater. City Senator Edwin Sifuna took to social media to highlight the gravity of the situation, calling for the mobilisation of all national emergency services to avert further loss of life. He shared a distressing video depicting residents stranded on the rooftops of their homes in one of Nairobi's informal settlements.
The Kenya Red Cross Society reported rescuing 18 individuals in the Mathare 4A neighborhood who were marooned by floodwaters. Additionally, they are conducting "life-saving" operations in various other regions affected by the floods.
The transportation infrastructure has also taken a hit, with major highways out of Nairobi experiencing heavy traffic as parts of them remain submerged under floodwaters. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority has partially closed four heavily affected roads and issued warnings of flooding on two others. To ensure the safety of motorists, traffic police and technical teams have been deployed on the ground.
In response to the adverse conditions, Kenya Railways has suspended commuter train services nationwide, prioritizing customer safety above all else.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued warnings of "heavy to very heavy" rainfall in various parts of the country, emphasizing the continued risk of flooding. With forecasts indicating persistent rainfall, the authorities remain vigilant, prepared to respond to any further emergencies that may arise.