The Kenya Red Cross has issued updates on the extent of the damage and the households most affected by the heavy rains in Nairobi on Sunday night.
In a statement on Monday, March 25, the organisation said the downpour wreaked havoc in various informal settlements leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
“After last night’s heavy downpour in Nairobi, our Red Cross Action Team conducted assessments in several affected areas,” the statement read.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, over 1,180 households have been identified as affected across different informal settlements.
Among the hardest-hit areas are Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Mukuru Kwa Reuben.
“Approximately 1,180 households have been identified as affected in various informal settlements we visited, with Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Mukuru Kwa Reuben being among the worst hit, along with other areas,” the statement read further.
Heavy rains coming
Earlier, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned the public of heavy rains expected to lash various parts of the country starting from Tuesday, March 26, 2024, until April 1, 2024.
In a statement on Monday, March 25, the weatherman highlighted the regions likely to experience intense rainfall.
“Weather outlook for 26 March to 1 April 2024. Rainfall is expected over several parts of the country. Isolated heavy rainfall events likely in Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, and Coast,” the weatherman stated.
Additionally, the department indicated high average daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C in several regions including Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.
Night-time temperatures are also expected to remain notably high, surpassing 25°C in parts of the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya.
Flood safety tips
In light of the heavy rains on Sunday night in Nairobi and other parts of the country, the E-Plus Ambulances has also issued flood safety tips to the public, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
These include immediate evacuation to elevated areas in the event of flooding, avoiding walking or driving through floodwaters, and exercising caution near streams and rivers.
The ambulance service owned by the Kenya Red Cross emphasized the danger posed by even minimal amounts of moving water noting that just six inches can knock a person down, while a foot can sweep away a vehicle.
Furthermore, the advisory highlighted the importance of switching off electricity at the main switch if a house is flooded, refraining from parking or engaging in activities near water bodies during heavy rainfall, and avoiding areas where power lines may have fallen.
The public was also urged to stay informed by listening to designated radio or TV stations for updates on the weather conditions and flooded areas.
