At least 23 people have died after overnight flash floods swept through parts of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, washing away vehicles and disrupting flights at the city’s main airport, authorities said.
Kenyan President William Ruto said emergency responders, including soldiers, had been deployed to help with rescue operations.
He also announced that food from the country’s national strategic reserves would be released to assist families affected by the flooding.
In the industrial Grogan area, rescuers and residents searched through floodwaters and debris.
Security guard John Lomayan said he saw the body of an elderly roadside egg seller trapped under a car that had been swept away after the Nairobi River overflowed.
A bus driver, John Mwai, said he used his vehicle to help move people to higher ground during the flooding.
The heavy rains also disrupted air travel, Kenya Airways said some flights heading to Nairobi were forced to divert to Mombasa.
Witnesses said several bodies were recovered from beneath vehicles, while some victims were reportedly electrocuted by damaged power lines.
The national electricity provider, Kenya Power, said floodwaters damaged equipment at one of its substations, leaving at least 14 neighbourhoods without power.
Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the intensity of floods and droughts across East Africa, with rainfall becoming heavier and more concentrated in shorter periods.
Residents in affected areas said the floodwaters quickly swept away cars and belongings after the river burst its banks.
Reuters