5 killed in floods in Kibra,Nairobi as heavy rains pound

At least five people were May 13 killed after they were swept by floods while crossing Mutuine River in Kibra, Nairobi.

This followed heavy rains that were experienced in the city and it’s environs on Thursday.

Residents said the four were swept away by the raging water as they tried to cross a bridge there. Their bodies were later found on Friday morning downstream.

Police and rescuers said they fear more deaths would be reported because of the floods that affected various informal settlements in the city.

Nairobi police boss Augustine Nthumbi said teams had been mobilized to help in the search and rescue missions.

“We are on the ground with other teams to ensure residents are safe,” he said.

He added they are conducting a survey to check the extent of the issue.

Property of unknown value was destroyed in the floods that ensued. Residents of some estates reported flooding in their areas which affected their operations.

Some residents were forced to endure long hours on the road while others were forced to spend the night on the road following heavy rains that continue to pound the capital.

The heavy downpour resulted in heavy traffic gridlock, flooded roads as well as cutting off of sections of roads making the movement of traffic a nightmare.

Motorists and commuters alike have had to suffer the consequences of the heavy rains with others forced to spend the night on the road.

The situation has been worsened by ongoing infrastructural developments going on across the city with the construction of the Nairobi Expressway playing a major role in the mess.

Motorists have been forced to wade through flash floods occasioned by heavy rains, with Kenya Meteorological Department warning the rains will continue throughout the week.

According to the weatherman, the heavy rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is set to continue this week and likely to intensify to more than 30 mm in 24 hours.

However, the heavy downpour is projected to reduce in intensity this week.