At least 66 people have died in Kenya following a week of heavy rainfall that triggered widespread flooding.
The BBC reports that the capital, Nairobi, was hit by more heavy rain overnight, though no new deaths were recorded.
Eleven people were rescued after a minibus taxi, known locally as a matatu, became trapped as water levels rose. Two children were also saved from a flooded home.
The intense rainfall caused rivers to overflow, inundating homes and damaging roads, power lines, and water supply systems. Some roads and bridges in Nairobi were closed after sustaining damage, and several schools were flooded following Saturday’s downpour.
The interior ministry warned on Sunday that parts of the country continue to face heavy rain, increasing the risk of further flooding. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer ground.
Over 2,000 people have already evacuated to temporary shelters. Police and emergency services continue search-and-rescue operations across the country.
Half of the fatalities, 33 people, occurred in Nairobi, where poor drainage and blocked waterways exacerbated the flooding.
Local residents, including businessman Kareem Hassan Ali from Parklands, reported water levels reaching approximately two metres (6.5ft) outside his flats.
Though his flat remained dry, underground parking areas were submerged. Auditor Deenesh Patel, another Parklands resident, spent the night at a friend’s home and urged authorities to improve drainage systems and prevent construction that blocks rivers.
President William Ruto said authorities are clearing blocked drainage channels and providing emergency food and medical aid to affected communities.
However, residents in Parklands said they had to remove debris themselves due to delayed official response.
The flooding crisis has not been confined to Kenya. Neighbouring Ethiopia has reported over 100 deaths following floods and landslides in its southern regions.
Experts warn that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme rainfall events.
Global temperatures have already risen by roughly 1.1C since the start of the industrial era, and extreme weather events are expected to intensify unless governments take urgent action to cut emissions.
