At least 62 people have died in Kenya over the past week due to severe flooding caused by relentless heavy rains, authorities confirmed. The death toll has risen from 42 just days ago.
Nairobi has been hardest hit, with 33 fatalities linked to poor drainage and unregulated development obstructing rivers. Flash floods have burst riverbanks, submerged homes, and crippled infrastructure-damaging roads, bridges, power lines, and schools.
More than 2,000 residents from low-lying areas have evacuated to safer ground. Emergency teams rescued 11 people from a stranded minibus and two children from a flooded house overnight.
President William Ruto announced emergency food and medical aid are being distributed, while crews work to clear blocked drainage systems. The Interior Ministry warns rains continue nationwide, heightening flood risks.
Scientists note that climate change-having already warmed the planet by 1.1°C since industrialization-intensifies extreme rainfall events like this one.