Severe Kenya flooding: 50 more dead, dozens of search and rescue operations underway
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At least 50 people have died and mass search and rescue operations were underway in Kenya Wednesday following severe flooding in the East African county, the Red Cross reported.
In all, more than 100,000 people have been affected by the deluge in the country's capital city of Nairobi, which destroyed homes, swept away bridges and left dozen injured, officials in the country are reporting.
According to the non-profit organization, crews were searching for people trapped by floodwaters in more than 14 tourist camps in Talek, Narok, after the Talek River broke its banks.
Kenya President William Ruto offered condolences to families that lost their loved ones due to the deluge.
"We pray for quick recovery to the injured," Ruto posted on X. "A multi-agency rescue operation, including the military, is currently underway in all affected areas. It will help offer temporary shelter, food, clothing and medical care, besides carrying out emergency evacuations and searches."
We condole with the families that have lost their loved ones due to the floods in the country. We pray for quick recovery to the injured and pledge total Government support at all levels.
A multi-agency rescue operation, including the military, is currently underway in all… pic.twitter.com/YY9yjD6CeI— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 30, 2024
Dozens rescued by air, water teams
With aide from community members, the Mara Elephant Project, and more, the Red Cross reported on X it had rescued 36 people by air and 25 people by water rescue teams.
"In some camps, tents have been swept away, and the Mara Bridge, linking the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara, has been washed away," the Red Cross reported.
An ongoing search and rescue operation is underway for tourists trapped by floodwaters in over 14 tourist camps in Talek, Narok, after the Talek River broke its banks.
Collaborating with the National and County Government of Narok, the Mara Elephant Project and community… pic.twitter.com/5TvEYeK0c6— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) May 1, 2024
The M-PESA Foundation, which works with the United Nations, is also assisting the organization on the ground providing food to those affected by the natural disaster.
"Today, we have already begun distributing food in at least four areas within Nairobi," The Red Cross posted on social media Wednesday.
"So deeply saddened by the loss of life, devastation and destruction caused by continued flooding in Kenya," Inger Andersen, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Program posted on X. "@UNEP is proud to call Nairobi home & we send our condolences to all those that have lost loved ones. Grateful for work of @UNKenya to support ongoing humanitarian needs."
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Photos of Kenya flooding show Red Cross workers wade through water
Photos from the scene shot by Reuters show Red Cross workers wade through flood waters to assess the Athi River-Namanga highway affected after the seasonal river burst its banks in Kitengela municipality of Kajiado County, near Nairobi.
One shot taken from the scene shows Red Cross members clutching a safety rope while they trek through dirty water in an attempt to rescue residents trapped in homes.
This is a developing story.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kenya flooding: 50 dead, search and rescue operations underway
