The Nairobi County government has confirmed a tragic toll as of Thursday, April 25, 2024, with 13 lives lost due to flooding across various parts of the city. The devastating effects of the ongoing heavy rains have left hundreds of Nairobians displaced and communities grappling with the aftermath.
Thursday morning saw the recovery of three bodies, adding to the grim count. Local authorities reported that 11 bodies were retrieved in Mathare, one in Kibera, and another in Kayole. The impact of the heavy rains extends beyond loss of life, with significant damage to property, businesses, bridges, roads, and homes.
In Mwea, Embu County, tragedy struck when a person riding a motorbike was swept away by floodwaters and drowned. According to police reports, the victim, along with Munyao Muia, attempted to cross a stream on the motorbike. However, they were overcome by the force of the water, leading to the tragic loss of one life.
Elsewhere, in Koibatek, Baringo County, a 7-year-old boy lost his life to flooding at Tmboroa stage along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway. The incident occurred while the child was playing beside stagnant water with another boy. Despite efforts to rescue him, the boy slipped into the water, and tragically, his life could not be saved.
In Starehe, Nairobi, another distressing incident unfolded as a person drowned in the Mathare River. The discovery was made near Kariobangi Police station, where the body of an unidentified male adult was found trapped amidst debris swept away by the river at Gitathuru bridge.
Furthermore, Muthaiga police station reported a heartbreaking incident involving the loss of three women to floods. The bodies of these female adults, aged 20, 50, and approximately 22 years old, were recovered from structures along the riverbank. The swelling of the river due to overnight rains led to the submerging of these structures, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.
The devastating impact of flooding on communities underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. As authorities continue to respond to the immediate aftermath of these tragic events, it is imperative to prioritize long-term strategies to safeguard lives and livelihoods from the ravages of natural disasters.
