'Nairobi deadly floods': 4,000-Strong Green Army deployed in rescue efforts

The Nairobi City County Government has activated emergency response teams, deployed disaster personnel and launched large-scale drainage clean-up operations following heavy rains that triggered flooding and caused several deaths across the city on Friday night.

In a statement, the City Hall said its Disaster Management Department had mobilised emergency teams across affected areas while coordinating rescue and relief operations with the National Police Service and the Kenya Red Cross Society.

“Our emergency teams, led by the Disaster Management Department, are actively engaged in the relief efforts in affected areas,” the county said.

“We are coordinating closely with all relevant authorities and agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our people and property.”

To strengthen rescue operations, the county said it had activated 18 Community-Based Disaster Response Teams comprising about 100 personnel to support search and rescue efforts, evacuations and community flood risk communication.

“At the same time, the County’s Green Army is undertaking extensive river and drainage clean-up across the city by removing solid waste, unclogging blocked drainage systems and widening waterways,” the statement said.

Heavy rainfall on the evening of March 6 overwhelmed drainage systems in several parts of Nairobi, resulting in widespread flooding, destruction of property and loss of lives.

“Following the heavy rains witnessed in Nairobi County last night, we have witnessed the impact and subsequent flooding in the city. Regrettably, we confirm the loss of several people,” the county government said, while conveying condolences to the affected families.

County emergency lines received numerous distress calls between 7 pm and 3 am from residents reporting flooded homes, stranded motorists and people trapped in various neighbourhoods.

Areas affected by the flooding include Dagoretti, Parklands, South B, South C, Kariokor, Buruburu, Umoja, parts of the CBD, Globe Roundabout, Kirinyaga Road, Kibera, Nairobi West, Bunyala Road, Enterprise Road, Kariobangi South, Lang’ata, Eastleigh, Kahawa West, Kamukunji and Waiyaki Way.

The downpour also damaged key water pipelines, disrupting the water supply in some parts of the city.

Technical teams from Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company have since been mobilised to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore services.

Preliminary assessments indicate that several homes were affected and some residents displaced by the flooding.

“County teams are currently conducting assessments, after which affected families will receive the necessary support including blankets and other essential relief items,” the statement said.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and swollen riverbanks, and cooperate with emergency teams as the county maintains 24-hour monitoring and rapid response operations.