This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Nairobi Floods: Capital City Chokes Under Water ¶
December 4, 2019, marked a day of chaos in Nairobi as heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across the city.
The city's infrastructure, including burst sewer lines and poor drainage systems, has struggled to cope with the deluge, leaving residents to bear the brunt of the situation.
As a result, the Standard Gauge Railway line suspended operations due to high water levels between Makadara and Imara Daima stations.
"Due to high water levels between Makadara and Imara Daima stations which have rendered the line impassable, the afternoon link train from the CBD to Nairobi Terminus will not be running today," Kenya Railways said on Tuesday.
Residents across the city, from Embakasi to Thika Road and Westlands, posted pictures on social media of flooded roads and open manholes.
"This is Embakasi. And what you see there is a mixture of sewage and rain. How are people supposed to get out and go to work? @NemaKenya this is an environmental issue. @MikeSonko what are your plans?" Mary Kulundu tweeted on December 4, 2019.
The Aga Khan Hospital in Parklands was also affected, with a section of the facility becoming flooded over the weekend.
"Following heavy rains in Nairobi that led to flooding in some parts of the city, our disaster response team managed to respond to emergency cases especially at Aga Khan Hospital in Parklands where normalcy has been restored. I thank the hospital's management for good coordination," Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said.
Another video emerged showing a flooded apartment on Likoni Lane in Kilimani estate.
"Families homes. LikonI Lane, off Denis Pritt road, Kilimani #FloodingKE," Kilimani Project Foundation tweeted on November 30, 2019.
Residents are calling for a ferry service to help them navigate the flooded highways.
"Nairobi we need ferry service??,,, the floods on the highways is no joke," Mr_Mambo_ tweeted on December 3, 2019.
