Widespread flooding in Kenya, massive building collapse in Nairobi kills 16 people

Torrential downpours over the last couple of days have caused severe flooding across parts of Kenya. The floods have affected more than 2 000 people across several counties and led to a major collapse of a residential building in Huruma, Nairobi, where 16 people died. A total death toll from flood-related incidents in Nairobi is currently at 20.

Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit, and Nairobi were strongly hit by the flooding. The intense rainstorm brought down a residential building in Huruma on April 30, 2016, causing injuries to 135 people while 75 people went missing and 16 were reported dead. The collapse occurred at about 21:30 (local time), after some of the strongest rainfalls since the start of the season.

Video credit: euronews

Video credit: NTV Kenya

130 survivors were pulled from the debris by May 1. Search and rescue teams from Kenya's National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), military and fire department, St John's Ambulance, and National Disaster agencies are still looking for survivors. Following the incidents, two neighboring buildings have been declared unsafe, and evacuations were ordered.

Video credit: Turko.co.ke

Another collapse occurred on April 29, in the Kilimani area, as a perimeter wall in the neighborhood of Russian Embassy and Department of Defence was brought down, leaving 4 people dead and 3 injured.

Widespread flooding affected 792 homes in Nairobi, 1 800 families are displaced in Vanga, Kwale County, 312 in Marsabit County while 230 families were forced to leave their homes in Moyale, and 81 in Laisamis. 210 homes in Garissa, Bungoma, Baringo, Embu, and Murang'a were affected to a lesser extent.

Displaced people across the affected area will receive relief items such as blankets, mosquito nets, soap and dignity kits, according to KRCS.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast the heavy rainfall will continue across the Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, the Central Highlands, parts of Nairobi and Northern Kenya.

Featured image: Building collapse in Huruma, Nairobi, April 30, 2016. Image credit: euronews