Flood death toll rises to 66 as police intensify rescue operations

Flooded roads in Parklands after heavy Saturday night rains in Nairobi/EZEKIEL AMINGA

The National Police Service (NPS) has intensified search and rescue operations across the country following devastating floods triggered by torrential rains.

Police said the number of fatalities linked to the floods has risen to 66. The victims include 50 men, eight women, and eight children.

In a statement released on Sunday, police said Nairobi has recorded the highest number of casualties with 33 deaths. The Eastern Region follows with 18 fatalities, while the Rift Valley Region has recorded eight.

Other affected areas include the Nyanza Region with four deaths, the Coast Region with two fatalities, and the Central Region, where one death has been reported.

Police said more than 2,000 families have been displaced from their homes as the floods continue to wreak havoc in several parts of the country. Infrastructure and property have also suffered extensive damage.

“As the rains persist in various parts of the country, we urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution and to adhere to updates and safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other relevant government agencies,” NPS said on Sunday. 

The security agency noted that it is working within a multi-agency framework alongside other emergency response teams to coordinate rescue operations and assist affected communities.

As heavy rains persist in various regions, the police urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution and follow safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other government agencies.

Police assured us that they remain actively deployed and ready to respond to emergencies and distress situations.

Kenyans have been encouraged to report emergencies at the nearest police station or through toll-free numbers 999, 911, and 112. Reports can also be made through the Fichua kwa DCI hotline or WhatsApp.

Earlier, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the government has mobilised all relevant agencies to respond to the ongoing floods affecting several parts of the country.

The president acknowledged that the heavy rains continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk, expressing sympathy with families and communities already affected.

“The ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of our country continue to put lives and livelihoods at risk. My thoughts are with the families and communities that have already been affected during this difficult period,” he said.

"I want to assure all Kenyans that the government remains fully mobilised to respond," he added.

Ruto said the government had activated a multi-agency response to coordinate emergency operations in Nairobi and other affected regions.

“Last week, I directed the activation of a multi-agency response bringing together emergency services, security agencies, humanitarian teams, and technical departments to coordinate efforts and manage the situation effectively,” he said.

The president noted that relevant agencies are currently conducting rescue and evacuation operations while also clearing blocked drainage systems and restoring access routes in affected areas.