LIVE UPDATES: 10 People Swept Away by Floods While Crossing River

The death toll of the raging floods in the country has shot to over 70 as heavy rains continue to pound different areas in the country.

Here are the latest updates on the floods experienced in different parts of the Country

6:30 pm: Four additional people out of the group that was swept away in Makueni County on Friday have been rescued, bringing the total number of rescued to 11.

4: 36pm: KeNHA announced the closure of Mugeka – Murang’a Road section from Gathaji Junction to Posta in Murang’a Town.

This closure is a result of the collapse of the road embankment across five sections causing significant damage to the road infrastructure and posing serious safety risks to motorists and pedestrians.

In light of this, KeNHA advised motorists and pedestrians to utilize alternative routes.

“7 individuals rescued, promptly taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital following the incident,” the humanitarian organization stated. 

3:56 pm: Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that the death toll of flood victims has risen to 70. 

“Contrary to other figures, the official tally of fellow Kenyans who regrettably have lost their lives due to the flooding situation now stands at 70 lives,” he stated. 

2:50 pm:10 people are reported to have been swept away while crossing flooded Muswii River in Makueni County.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, the victims were in a lorry which was ferrying locals across the river.

“In Sultan Hamud, Makueni County, a distressing incident has occurred: a lorry ferrying people was swept away by raging waters. We are at the scene and actively responding to the situation,” stated Red Cross.

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12:05am: KeNHA has warned the public against using the Old Athi River Bridge. The authority has stated that the bridge is almost flooding because of the ongoing rainfall.

Motorists and pedestrians have been advised to instead use the New Carriageway Bridge adjacent to the Old Bridge.

“The approaches to the Bridge have been severely damaged and is at risk of collapsing, posing significant hazards to both pedestrians and motorists.

“KeNHA appeals to all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution when navigating through the area,” indicated the authority.

11:00am: KeNHA has alerted motorists of the rising flood waters at Tana River Bridge in the Mororo Area. The authority says that the Seven Folks Dams is nearing full capacity, heightening the risk of further flooding.

“Currently, a section of the A3 Road at Mororo has been compromised, with one lane already affected. As the rains persist and the Dam reach its limits, the water levels are expected to rise, exacerbating damage to the road infrastructure and posing significant safety hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

“The Authority contractors are on-site, prepared to address any washouts once the floodwaters recede,” said KeNHA.

9:45 am: A portion of the railway track connecting Nairobi to Kisumu near Thogoto area has become impassable due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in the area.

The railway track was left hanging paralyzing any cargo or passenger transportation along the route. 

9:18 am: The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has warned motorists plying the Athi River – Machakos Road near Green Park estate to exercise caution after erosion on an embankment.

“The embankment slopes have eroded, posing risks to the service road. The main carriageway remains open, however, due to the tenuous conditions, please refrain from using the service road.

“Motorists are advised to prioritize safety when using the main carriageway and to proceed with caution,” indicated the authority.

Also Read: Live Blog: Two University Students Slip and Drown in Enkare River

Earlier: The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the heavy rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 50mm in 24hrs over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeast Lowlands, Lake Victoria Basin and off coast on 26th to 27th April 2024. 

“It is likely to reduce in intensity on 28th April 2024. The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied with gusty winds, large Ocean Waves in the Indian Ocean and strong southerly winds in the eastern sector,” said the authority.

The death toll from the floods in Mathare River, the hardest-hit area in Nairobi, has risen to 14 after four more bodies were recovered. Authorities revealed that all the four victims were members of the same family. 

Additionally, search and rescue operations have continued in the area for two others in the family. A survivor of the family, Collins Oiengo, said that a neighbor and her three children who had come to ask for help were also swept away with the raging water. 

“I have lost all the members of my family because the house could not hold at the impact of the raging water. It collapsed and was swept away with everyone who was inside. 

“There was also a Neighbour in the house who came to ask for help. She had her three children with her. We tried looking for them and we have found four bodies so far,” he said. 

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