The night of Sunday, March 25, turned chaotic for many in Nairobi as floods swept through the city, causing widespread disruption to roads and train services. Videos circulating on social media overnight depicted the grim reality of submerged cars and impassable streets, leaving motorists stranded and commuters facing delays.
Nairobi roads impassable
The torrential rains particularly impacted major arteries like Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Waiyaki Way, Lang’ata Road, and various parts of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). Even the Eastlands area was not spared from the deluge, further exacerbating the transportation crisis.
The repercussions extended to Kenya Railways’ commuter services, which encountered significant delays due to the flooded conditions of many roads crucial for their operations. In response, Kenya Railways issued a public notice acknowledging the disruptions and assuring the public of their efforts to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.
Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos showing the extent of the flooding, including one particularly striking clip of the Nairobi Expressway submerged under knee-high water. Despite the challenges, authorities managed to deploy guides promptly to assist motorists navigating the inundated areas.
Take care Nairobians
Amidst the chaos, calls for caution and preparedness were echoed by organizations like the Kenya Red Cross. They emphasized the importance of swift evacuation to higher ground when floods occur, as even a few inches of swiftly moving water can pose serious risks to individuals. The organization also advised against driving through flooded areas and highlighted the dangers of electricity in flooded homes.
Looking ahead, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a forecast warning residents of Nairobi and 29 other counties about the impending heavy rainfall expected in the region. Dividing the affected areas into different regions, the department urged residents to stay vigilant and prepared for moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming days.
As Nairobi grapples with the aftermath of these floods, the focus remains on recovery efforts, ensuring public safety, and implementing measures to mitigate future risks associated with such extreme weather events.
