Kenya: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Nairobi as of March 25

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Nairobi as of March 25. Heavy downpours overnight March 24-25 triggered flooding in many areas of the capital. Authorities have reported four flood-related fatalities in the Kamukunji. Gigiri, Dagoretti, and Buruburu of Nairobi. Severe flooding has also been reported in the South C and Ruai neighborhoods. An unconfirmed number of people have reportedly been displaced by the flooding. Many roads across the city were flooded as of early March 25, including parts of the Nairobi Expressway, causing widespread traffic disruptions.

Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely continue for some time as response and recovery operations continue. Further showers are forecast over Nairobi March 25, and periods of heavy rainfall are expected to continue in the region through at least the end of March. Heavy downpours will likely trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.