NAIROBI, Kenya
At least 10 people have died, and dozens of vehicles have been swept away after widespread flooding struck Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, following heavy rains that caused rivers to overflow and major roads to submerge.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda confirmed the deaths while speaking to reporters on Saturday, warning that the toll could rise as several people remain unaccounted for.
Authorities said floodwaters surged through parts of the city overnight, trapping motorists and forcing residents in some areas to wade or swim to safety.
Police said at least 71 vehicles were swept away as floodwaters surged across low-lying sections of the city, leaving roads impassable and bringing traffic to a standstill in several neighborhoods.
Many homes and businesses have also been left underwater as drainage systems were overwhelmed by the heavy rainfall.
Emergency teams have been deployed across affected areas to assist stranded residents and assess damage. The flooding has disrupted transport and commercial activity in parts of Nairobi, with some communities reporting significant property losses.
Public Service and Special Programs Minister Geoffrey Ruku said Saturday that he had convened a high-level emergency meeting to coordinate the government’s response to the disaster and review measures to assist affected residents.
The floods also damaged the electricity infrastructure, triggering a power outage in several areas after the South C substation was affected by rising water levels.
Authorities said technicians were working to restore electricity while emergency crews continue monitoring rivers and drainage channels as rains persist across the capital.
