Torrential storms and flash floods have killed at least 81 people across Kenya this month, authorities said, as heavy rainfall continues to devastate large parts of the country.
The capital Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 37 deaths reported, while widespread destruction has been observed across affected regions. National police confirmed that thousands of families have been displaced, with homes, infrastructure, and farmland severely damaged.
In western Kenya, particularly in Kisumu County, entire villages have been submerged, destroying around 1,200 hectares of farmland and sweeping away crops. In Nyakach, more than 3,000 families have fled their homes as rising waters from the overflowing River Mirui continue to threaten communities.
Residents have been forced to evacuate in dangerous conditions, wading through floodwaters or using overcrowded boats to reach safety. Some have taken refuge in temporary evacuation centers, while others remain uncertain about where to relocate.
Authorities have issued urgent warnings, calling for extreme caution and ordering evacuations in high-risk areas, including informal settlements near Nairobi Dam, where water levels have surged dangerously.
The disaster has also triggered landslides in western regions, further increasing the death toll and compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Experts link the increasing frequency and severity of such events to climate change, which has intensified extreme weather patterns across East Africa in recent years, bringing both severe floods and prolonged droughts.
Source: TRT Africa
