Heavy rains and flooding in Nairobi, Kenya, have resulted in a tragic increase in the death toll to 42, according to a government update issued on Sunday. The downpour on Friday led to severe flooding, resulting in drownings, vehicle washouts, and disruptions at the country’s main airport. Earlier reports had confirmed 23 fatalities, with some deaths attributed to electrocution, as stated by the Nairobi police chief.
The floods caused significant damage to infrastructure and local livelihoods, with 172 vehicles that were swept away now recovered. President William Ruto announced the immediate release of relief food from national reserves to aid affected families.
Search and rescue efforts, involving emergency teams and the military, are ongoing nationwide to locate and retrieve all flood victims. The continuous heavy rains in Kenya since late February, signaling the onset of the long-rains season, have been linked to global warming, intensifying flood and drought patterns in East Africa. A recent study in 2024 by World Weather Attribution highlighted that climate change has doubled the likelihood of catastrophic rains in the region.