Heavy rains trigger deadly flooding in Nairobi, 23 dead, Flights disrupted

At least 23 people have died in severe flooding in Nairobi after torrential rains battered the Kenya capital overnight, leaving roads submerged, vehicles damaged and emergency services struggling to reach stranded residents.

According to Nairobi police chief George Seda , some of the victims drowned in floodwaters while others were electrocuted , and officials fear the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities reported that more than 100 vehicles were damaged , with several overturned along flooded roads and parking areas.

The extreme weather also disrupted air travel. National carrier Kenya Airways confirmed that several flights were diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa , warning passengers that delays and disruptions could persist for several hours.

To assist overwhelmed emergency services, the Kenyan military was deployed across parts of the capital to support rescue efforts and evacuate stranded motorists. In some neighbourhoods, residents were forced to wade through waist-deep water to reach safer ground as vehicles were submerged.

Humanitarian teams from the Kenya Red Cross said floodwaters and severe traffic congestion slowed rescue operations. Secretary-General Ahmed Idris said teams were working around the clock but faced challenges accessing affected areas.

Government officials said the rainfall is linked to Kenya’s annual “long rains” season , which typically begins in late February and continues through May. Meteorologists say this year’s downpours may have been intensified by warming Indian Ocean temperatures and regional climate variability , which can increase moisture in the atmosphere and trigger heavier storms.

Residents, however, blamed the scale of the flooding on blocked drainage systems and inadequate urban infrastructure , arguing that the city remains poorly prepared for seasonal rains.

Kenya has repeatedly faced deadly floods, landslides and mass displacement during previous rainy seasons, highlighting the growing challenge of extreme weather in East Africa.