50 rescued as floods hit residential estate

At least 50 people were rescued from submerged structures in Green Park Estate, Machakos after floods marooned the estate.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua says a bulk of those rescued by Machakos County Emergency Services team comprised of the elderly, children and house helps.

Torrential rains, which pounded many parts of the country resulted in floodwaters overtopping bridges, cutting off highways, destroying structures, disrupting business and displacing people.

“Our teams will be on ground overnight and are responding countywide to flooding. Mombasa Highway is closed,” tweeted Dr. Mutua.

The governor also stated that Mombasa Highway was closed at Mto ya Mawe and Athi River areas.

“We urge those traveling towards Machakos and Mombasa to either postpone their trips or to use Kangundo road – Koma rd to Machakos – then Konza road to Malili or Machakos road to Kyumvi,” said Mr Mutua.

“We expect more rivers to break their banks and I urge all Wananchi to be careful and not to risk crossing areas where water is above a bridge or road. All those that are near river banks should move to higher ground to avoid being victims of floods at night,” added the governor.

The Machakos county chief warned of arrests of motorists who will attempt to brave flooded carriageways.

“The expected wajuaji drivers who will try to cross closed roads will be arrested and locked up for their own good and that of their passengers,” he said.

Rains continue to wreak havoc in many parts of Kenya, with the capital, Nairobi, among the most-affected areas. The Met department says more rains will fall within the next five days.