Severe Flooding Paralyzes Transport on Eastern Bypass in Nairobi, Kenya

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding on the Eastern Bypass near Kamakis in Nairobi, Kenya, disrupting transport and causing chaos in the area. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has advised motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving on the affected stretch of Mombasa Road, urging them to reduce speeds, maintain safe distances, and avoid unnecessary lane changes.

The floods have led to the displacement of hundreds of residents, with those living in informal settlements being the worst affected. The Kenya Red Cross has dispatched a team to conduct assessments and initiate search and rescue operations. "The situation has led to a snarl-up that continues to pile, with the Athi River Bridge swollen and the adjacent old bridge submerged by the flood waters," stated Anderson Mbae, the Athi River East subcounty police commander.

Several roads and bridges have been affected, leading to heavy traffic on major roads, including sections of the Thika Superhighway and Mombasa Road. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on the national government to help mitigate the impact of the floods, as the county government is overwhelmed. "The government has formed a multi-agency response team to deal with the situation," Sifuna said, urging the national government to mobilize all emergency services to save lives.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in Nairobi has not only disrupted transportation but also poses a significant threat to the lives and livelihoods of thousands of residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities. The situation highlights the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has acknowledged the 'humanitarian crisis' caused by the flash floods, which have affected several roads in the city, including Ole Odume, Langata Road, and the Eastern Bypass. The governor, along with the Kenya Red Cross and other stakeholders, pledged to provide emergency supplies and support to the victims. An estimated 60,000 people, mostly women and children, have been severely affected by the devastating floods in Nairobi.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy rains caused severe flooding on the Eastern Bypass in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Floods displaced hundreds of residents, with informal settlements worst affected.
• Several roads and bridges were affected, leading to heavy traffic on major roads.
• Nairobi governor acknowledged 'humanitarian crisis', pledged emergency support for victims.
• Situation highlights need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness.