At least 66 people have died in Kenya after days of relentless heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across several parts of the country, authorities said. The disaster has damaged homes, roads, and essential infrastructure, including electricity and water supply lines, while rescue teams continue efforts to assist those trapped or displaced.
According to a report by the British broadcaster BBC, Kenyan police confirmed that four additional deaths were recorded due to the flooding, bringing the total death toll over the past week to at least 66. The capital, Nairobi, experienced heavy overnight rainfall, although no new fatalities were reported there.
The Kenya Red Cross said that in Nairobi, 11 people were rescued after a minibus taxi—locally known as a “matatu”—became stranded in rising floodwaters. Rescue teams also managed to save two children from a house that had been inundated by floodwaters.
The floods were mainly caused by intense rainfall over the past week, which led to rivers overflowing and triggered sudden flash floods in several regions. Many homes have been submerged, and roads, power lines, and water supply networks have suffered significant damage.
In Nairobi, authorities were forced to close several roads after a bridge was damaged by the flooding. Heavy rainfall on Saturday also led to flooding in several schools.
On Sunday, Kenya’s Interior Ministry warned that heavy rains are continuing in various parts of the country, increasing the risk of further flooding. Authorities have urged residents living in low-lying areas to move to safer locations. So far, more than 2,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and seek shelter.
Police said search and rescue operations remain ongoing across affected areas as “torrential rains and the resulting devastating floods” continue to impact different regions of the country. About half of the victims—33 people—were residents of Nairobi.
Experts say the severity of flooding in the capital has been worsened by poor drainage systems and unregulated construction, which obstruct rivers and natural waterways.
Speaking on Sunday, President William Ruto said authorities are working to clear blocked drainage systems. He also noted that emergency food and medical assistance are being delivered to affected communities.
The flooding has not only impacted Kenya but also neighboring countries. In Ethiopia, floods and landslides have killed more than 100 people.
While several factors contribute to such disasters, scientists say climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme rainfall as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture.
Since the start of the industrial era, global temperatures have already risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius. Experts warn that without rapid reductions in carbon emissions, global temperatures are expected to continue rising, increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Source: BBC.