15 people killed, 132 rescued as heavy rains wreak havoc in Nairobi

A total of 15 people have been confirmed dead following heavy rains that have wreaked havoc in Nairobi.

Eight were killed after a three-storey building collapsed in Huruma, Nairobi. Rescue efforts are still underway, but 132 people have been rescued so far.

“Seven people are confirmed dead and 121 people have been rescued and rushed to various hospitals in Nairobi.The search and rescue operation is ongoing for people feared trapped inside the collapsed building of the six-storey building,” Japheth Koome, Nairobi County police boss stated.

The Kenya Red Cross society (KRC) has stated that three adults and a child were pulled from the building and rushed to hospital on Friday night, with others being rescued on Saturday morning.

Rescuers say that 150 families were affected by the late night building collapse and KRC has set up rescue center where families can trace their loved ones.

Four others were killed on Lenana Road while two passed away on Lusaka road after their car was swept away by floods.

KRC estimates that over 1000 people have been displaced in Muruku and Mathare alone, with many others being affected by the rains that have pounded the city over the last three days.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has expressed his condolences for those who have lost their loved ones, saying that his government is doing all it can to mitigate the effects of the floods.

“My sincere condolences for the loss of lives and destruction of property that occurred in our beloved City as a consequence of the worst floods this year.  I am deeply saddened by the scenes, pictures and videos of the aftermath of yesterday’s heavy rains,” read the statement.

“The City is likely to continue receiving more than average rainfall.  The City will be subjected to increased incidents of flooding on the roads, destruction of properties, public open spaces and flooding of rivers which result in traffic congestion, inconvenience to residents and sometimes injuries and fatalities. The Nairobi City County Government will continue to mobilize resources to attenuate and mitigate the severity and impact of the floods,” Kidero stated.

KRC, the National Youth Service and the military are combing through rubble looking for more survivors.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has visited Huruma.