This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
On December 6, 2019, a six-level building in Nairobi's Tassia estate suddenly collapsed, claiming the lives of three people and leaving many more feared trapped under the rubble.
Residents of the estate were the first to respond to the disaster, using their bare hands to rescue a number of people. Nairobi county police chief Philip Ndolo praised their bravery, saying they were the first to the scene.
As the rescue operation unfolded, military personnel and emergency services arrived at the site to assist with the search and rescue efforts. The Kenya Red Cross set up psychosocial support services and a tracing desk to help those affected by the disaster.
According to Nairobi regional commissioner Wilson Njenga, 57 rooms had been rented out in the building, and 22 families lived there. The building's owner was not available for comment and did not live in the building.
Heavy rain in the days leading up to the collapse had made the rescue effort more difficult, stretching resources and making the site less accessible. DW correspondent Edith Kimani described the situation as 'desperate.'
It is not yet clear what caused the building to collapse, but building collapses are common in Nairobi, where housing is in high demand and regulations are not enforced. A recent survey found that 58% of the city's buildings were unfit for habitation.
