Rescue workers retrieved bodies of victims from floods in various parts of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Saturday, March 7. The sudden night-time flooding has claimed the lives of at least 23 people, washed away large vehicles, and caused disruptions in flights at East Africa’s largest airport.
Kenyan President William Ruto has deployed an emergency rescue team, including soldiers, to coordinate rescue operations and offer condolences to the affected communities. In a statement posted on social media, he mentioned, “I have ordered the immediate release of relief food from the national strategic reserves to be distributed to affected families.”
Heavy rains led to the overflowing of the Nairobi River. In the Grogan industrial area, 34-year-old security guard John Lomayan witnessed the body of an elderly man trapped under a car. He recognized the man as a roadside vendor selling eggs who was caught under a car swept away by the river. “I saw him being swept down by the water from above,” he pointed to the roadside, “we didn’t know where he went until now, only to discover he was trapped under the car.”
Bus driver John Mwai shared how he converted his bus into a rescue vehicle, evacuating people to higher ground.
Kenya Airways stated that flights to Nairobi were disrupted due to the heavy rains, with some flights forced to redirect to the coastal city of Mombasa.
In recent years, East Africa has experienced intensified floods and droughts, with rainfall concentrated in shorter, more intense periods. A 2024 study by World Weather Attribution found that climate change has doubled the likelihood of devastating rainfall events in the region.
Three bodies were seen being pulled out from under vehicles by Reuters reporters. Some of the deceased had been electrocuted by damaged power lines. Kenya Power reported flood damage to a substation’s equipment, listing 14 affected communities.
“So many cars, so many things, I don’t know. Everything was washed away. All the water came from that river,” shocked resident Cedric Mwanza referred to the Nairobi River.