Death toll from devastating floods in Kenya rises to 62

The death toll from devastating floods caused by continuous heavy rainfall in Kenya has risen to at least 62, authorities said. Just a week ago, the number of fatalities stood at 42.

Officials fear the death toll may increase further as the rainfall continues. The report was carried by BBC.

The worst-affected area is the capital, Nairobi. On Sunday night, 11 people were rescued by the Kenya Red Cross Society after a minibus became trapped in floodwaters. In another incident, two children were rescued alive from a flooded house.

After a week of persistent heavy rain, Kenya has experienced flash floods of a scale not seen in several years. Rivers have overflowed into residential areas, submerging numerous homes. Roads, electricity and water supply systems have also been damaged. Following heavy rainfall on Saturday, several schools in Nairobi were flooded, and important roads were closed after some bridges were damaged.

On Sunday, the country’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration warned that heavy rainfall is still continuing in different regions, increasing the risk of further flooding. Residents in low-lying areas have been instructed to move to safer places. More than 2,000 people have already been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in emergency centers.

Police said search and rescue operations are ongoing in flood-affected areas. More than half of the victims—33 people—were residents of Nairobi. Unplanned urbanization, disruption of natural river flow and poor drainage systems are being seen as major reasons behind the high number of casualties there.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto said emergency food and medical assistance are being delivered to the affected people. Authorities have also begun clearing blocked drainage systems.

The disaster is not limited to Kenya alone. In neighboring Ethiopia, local sources reported that floods and landslides in the southern region have killed more than a hundred people.