Flash Floods Kill 23 in Nairobi, Disrupt Flights at Major Airport

At least 23 people have died after overnight flash floods swept through Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, causing widespread destruction and disrupting operations at the region’s busiest airport.

Authorities said the floods followed heavy rainfall that began on Friday and continued through the night, submerging roads, washing away vehicles and leaving many motorists stranded for hours across the city.

George Seda, Nairobi’s police chief, warned that the death toll could rise as emergency teams continue search and rescue operations in affected areas.

He said more than 100 vehicles were damaged in the floods, with several overturned along roadsides and in parking areas after being swept away by fast-moving water.

Kenya’s military has been deployed to support rescue efforts, while emergency responders work to assist residents trapped by rising floodwaters.

The floods also affected operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, East Africa’s largest aviation hub. Although the airport remained open, Kenya Airways said several flights were disrupted, with some diverted to the coastal city of Mombasa.

Passengers were warned that delays and disruptions could continue for several hours as authorities deal with the impact of the flooding.

Meanwhile, Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Ahmed Idris said search teams were working tirelessly to locate and rescue people stranded by the disaster.

In several parts of the city, residents were seen wading through hip-high water to reach safer ground as floodwaters inundated homes, roads and vehicles.