Commuters in Nairobi were stranded after heavy overnight rainfall triggered flooding across several estates and major roads in the city.
According to the Kenya Red Cross reports, the heavy downpour has triggered flooding in several parts of Nairobi.
The affected estates included Parklands, CBD, Ngong Road (Ngando area), Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Eastleigh, and Riruta.
“Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of Nairobi, including Parklands, CBD, Ngong Road (Ngando area), Lower Kabete, Kibera, Kilimani, South B, Kawangware, Lang’ata, Lavington, Eastleigh and Riruta,” Kenya Red Cross reported.
Floodwaters disrupt movement along key Nairobi routes
According to the Kenya Red Cross, major traffic disruptions are reported along several key roads in Nairobi following heavy rainfall that flooded sections of the city.
Affected routes included the Nairobi Expressway near the Museum Hill exit, Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, Lusaka Road and parts of the central business district.
“Major traffic disruptions have been reported along the Expressway (Museum Hill exit), Limuru Road, Bunyala Road, Lusaka Road and parts of the CBD,” they reported.
Motorists are experiencing slow traffic and gridlock as floodwaters make sections of the road impassable, disrupting movement during the downpour.
Additionally, Uhuru Highway is reportedly impassable due to flooding, causing severe traffic disruptions. Commuters heading to South B, the CBD, Emali, or Mombasa are advised to use alternative routes or postpone their travel until conditions improve.
Rivers Overflow as Rescue Teams Respond to Flood Emergencies
Reportedly, both the Nairobi and Ngong rivers overflowed, leading to riverine flooding in several parts of Nairobi.
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At the time of reporting, Aqua Rescue teams had been deployed, with 11 people rescued from a marooned matatu along Bunyala Road and two children evacuated from a flooded house in Kilimani.
“So far, 11 people have been rescued from a marooned matatu along Bunyala Road and two children rescued from a flooded house in Kilimani,” confirmed the Red Cross report.
23 People Confirmed Dead After Friday Night Floods in Nairobi
The National Police Service confirmed that at least 23 people died following severe floods that hit Nairobi on Friday, March 6.
In a statement issued on March 7, NPS stated that the heavy rains caused extensive damage, including the destruction of property, the closure of major roads, and the displacement of residents in affected areas.
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“The torrential rains have led to significant flooding, unfortunately resulting in 23 fatalities so far, the destruction of property, road closures, and the displacement of residents,” read part of the statement.
Earlier, the Nairobi Police Commander George Seda reported that eight of the victims were swept away by rapidly rising waters, with some losing their lives while trapped in vehicles carried off by the strong currents, while two additional fatalities occurred in separate electrocution incidents in different parts of the county during the floods.
He reported that at least 71 vehicles were stranded across the city as major roads became impassable due to heavy flooding.
