Devastating flooding in Kenya claims dozens of lives and displaces thousands

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Thousands of Kenyans are experiencing disasters associated with heavy rains as they struggle with floods that have displaced them.

In Nairobi, eight people have been left dead as hundreds displaced by floods, as 10 others rescued after Mathere riverbanks broke.

The Military and National Youth Service (NYS) have been deployed in the Tana River and other areas to provide the rescue services to families marooned by floods.

In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered locals to keep away from the unsafe areas, as Raila Odinga pleaded with the government to deploy a response service to save the affected families.

Kenya Red Cross said it had initiated a search and rescue operation and dispatched a team to conduct an assessment in the affected areas.  Areas affected are Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District was also rendered impassable after trees blocked major roads.

Some areas affected by floods are Syokimau, Machakos County, that were hit after Athi River burst its banks, resulting in a heavy traffic jam on Namanga Road and blockage at the Kitengela entry and exit.

Other areas experiencing flooding in Nairobi are Thika Road, Kahawa Wendani, Kahawa Sukari, Kenyatta University, and Juja. A resident Mr Alinur Mohamed detailed that motorists and pedestrian along the Thika Road suffered especially those from Kahawa Wendani, Kahawa Sukari, up to the Kenyatta University area.

“On Wednesday we experienced heavy floods as vehicles were unable to pass through the water,” said Mohammed.Phillip Koech said it was an economic loss that Thika road flooded as many businesspeople were struck in a traffic snail up.

Koech said if the situation is not addressed, flooding in Nairobi will get worse.” It is the high time the government addresses all the concerns for the interest of salvaging the community from the effects of heavy rains,” said Koech, a matatu driver.