Athi River Flooding Submerges Bridge, Forces Traffic Diversion in Kenya

Heavy rains in various parts of Kenya have led to severe flooding, disrupting transportation and infrastructure. The Athi River has overflowed its banks, submerging a bridge that connects Kitengela to Mombasa Road along Namanga Road, rendering it impassable.

As a result, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has advised motorists to use an alternate route, diverting traffic from Kitengela Road to Makadara Road. KeNHA directed motorists to divert through the East African Portland Cement junction and cautioned against attempting to drive through the bridge until the water levels recede. Motorists were also advised to exercise caution in other sections that may experience occasional flooding.

The flooding has caused a traffic snarl-up and displacement of people in different parts of Nairobi county. KeNHA urged motorists to be on the lookout for possible overtopping while crossing the Athi River bridge between the Athi River Interchange and Sabaki on the Mombasa Road route to Nairobi. Earlier, stormwater had rendered the Athi River - Namanga Road impassable after the water overtopped Kitengela Bridge, but the water later receded and traffic was restored.

The heavy rainfall that pounded several parts of Nairobi on Tuesday night led to flash floods, affecting various roads and disrupting traffic and human movement. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the situation was worsened after Ngong River burst its banks, leading to heavy flooding in several areas. The Kenya Meteorological Department forecast that most parts of the country would continue receiving rains in the next 24 hours, with some areas in Nairobi expected to receive up to 50mm of rain.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in Kenya has affected thousands of people, mostly women and children, and caused major disruptions to transportation and infrastructure. The government has formed a multi-agency response team to deal with the situation, which has been called to be declared a national disaster by the opposition leader.

The heavy rains have caused the Athi River to burst its banks, turning it into a flowing sea that has swept away everything in its path. Dozens of families from the nearby Kasoito slums have been trapped in their homes by the floods. Businesses, motorists, and a petrol station have been completely stranded, with the owner counting his losses. The flooding is reported to be the most dangerous disaster in the area in recent times, with the last similar event occurring 10 years ago. A rescue mission is being carried out by a multi-agency team led by the Athi River Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Mwangi to rescue families trapped in submerged houses and account for others. Two people have been confirmed dead in the Athi River flooding so far. Mwangi has warned the public against hanging around the flooded areas, stating "It is dangerous, mother nature is ruthless."

Key Takeaways

• Heavy rains in Kenya have led to severe flooding, disrupting transportation and infrastructure.
• The Athi River has overflowed, submerging a bridge and rendering it impassable.
• KeNHA has advised motorists to use alternate routes and exercise caution while crossing the Athi River.
• The flooding has caused traffic snarls, displacement of people, and two confirmed deaths in Athi River.
• The government has formed a multi-agency response team to deal with the situation, which the opposition leader wants declared a national disaster.