Kenya Faces Severe Flooding Crisis as Death Toll Rises to 81

Torrential rains across Kenya have resulted in at least 81 fatalities and displaced approximately 2,690 families, with the capital city, Nairobi, being the hardest hit. National police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the death toll has increased, with 37 deaths reported in Nairobi alone. The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and property, prompting authorities to issue evacuation warnings for several neighborhoods downstream from the Nairobi dam due to rising water levels.

Kenya floods kill 81, displace thousands as rains pound NairobiFloods death toll climbs to 81 as heavy rains persist, Nairobi worst hit with 37 fatalitiesFrance 24

In the western region of Nyakach, entire villages have been submerged, leading to the destruction of around 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of farmland. Residents have been forced to evacuate, with many seeking refuge in eight evacuation centers. Local chief Seth Oluoch Agwanda expressed the dire situation, stating, "We have lost quite a number of farmlands with massive erosion." Eyewitness accounts describe residents wading through floodwaters, carrying their belongings, and navigating crowded boats to escape the inundation.

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Authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution as rain is forecast to continue. The National Police Service has advised the public to adhere to safety advisories and report emergencies through designated channels. The Water Resources Authority has also warned those living downstream of the Nairobi Dam to evacuate immediately, citing the risk of dam failure due to rising water levels.

Floods death toll climbs to 81 as heavy rains persist, Nairobi worst hit with 37 fatalities

The ongoing crisis has led to criticism of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who had previously promised to improve the city’s drainage and road infrastructure upon taking office in 2022. Critics are calling for his resignation, citing the government's inadequate response to the flooding and the persistent issues with urban infrastructure that have exacerbated the situation.

Kenya floods kill 81, displace thousands as rains pound Nairobi

Experts attribute the increasing severity and frequency of such extreme weather events to human-caused climate change. Studies indicate that East Africa has experienced more extreme rainfall and droughts over the past two decades, raising concerns about the region's vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

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While the reported death toll stands at 81, the distribution of fatalities varies across regions, with 37 in Nairobi, 21 in the Eastern region, and others in the Rift Valley, Nyanza, Coast, and Central regions. The exact number of displaced families is also reported differently, with some sources indicating over 3,000 families affected.

Floods death toll climbs to 81 as heavy rains persist, Nairobi worst hit with 37 fatalities

• “We still don’t know where we are going to get shelter with our animals because there is no house or home that is not flooded," Kennedy Oguta, 50, told AFP.” — Kennedy Oguta, Resident of Nyakach

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• “The rains are projected to continue across the country. We urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, and to strictly adhere to updates and safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other relevant government agencies,” — National Police Service Statement

Floods death toll climbs to 81 as heavy rains persist, Nairobi worst hit with 37 fatalities

The situation remains critical as authorities continue to monitor the weather and respond to the needs of affected communities.

Floods death toll climbs to 81 as heavy rains persist, Nairobi worst hit with 37 fatalities