Heavy rains cause flooding along Mombasa Road

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding along Mombasa Road (Eastern Bypass), with rising water levels reported and disruption to movement, the Kenya Red Cross has said.

In Mukuru kwa Njenga, there are unconfirmed reports of missing persons and marooned households, with Red Cross Nairobi teams deployed for assessment and possible response.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, flash floods were also reported near T-Mall along Lang’ata Road, where a vehicle was trapped in a ditch with occupants inside. All the occupants were successfully evacuated without reported injuries.

"In Kajiado, flooding from the swollen Kandisi River along Magadi Road left three people initially trapped in a lorry. They were later rescued," Kenya Red Cross said.

Additional flash floods have been reported in Moyale, Marsabit County. The Kenya Red Cross said it remains on standby for possible search and rescue operations as the situation continues to evolve.

The flooding comes two days after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of heavy downpours in several regions.

On April 29, the department said rainfall is expected to persist in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Coast and Northeastern Kenya. Some areas are likely to experience intense rainfall events that could trigger flash floods, landslides and rising river levels.

“As we prepare for the Labour Day celebrations and the long weekend, rainfall is expected to continue in several parts of the country,” the department said.

“Heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of these regions.”

According to the forecast, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley will experience morning rains in a few places, followed by afternoon showers and thunderstorms in several areas, with night-time showers also expected in multiple locations.

In north-western Kenya, morning rains are forecast in a few areas, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms in several places before easing to showers at night.

The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and surrounding counties, are likely to receive morning rains in a few areas, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms developing in several places and continuing into the night.

North-eastern counties will see morning rains in isolated areas, afternoon showers and thunderstorms in a few places, and light showers at night. The south-eastern lowlands are also expected to record morning rains in a few areas, afternoon showers and thunderstorms in several places, and scattered showers at night.

At the Coast, showers are forecast in a few areas throughout the morning, afternoon and night.

The weatherman cautioned that heavy rainfall episodes could reduce visibility for motorists and increase the risk of flash floods, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

“Residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas are advised to remain vigilant,” the department said.

“Members of the public should avoid walking or driving through moving water and should not shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning and flying debris.”