Eighteen people, including 11 adults and 7 children, have just been rescued by our Red Cross Action Team in Mradi, Mathare 4A, after becoming stranded due to floodwaters caused by heavy rains last night in Nairobi. The rainfall affected numerous areas throughout the city. Other life saving interventions are ongoing in other parts of the country. authorities have not responded adequately to flash floods resulting from heavy rains, Human Rights Watch said today.
Despite these harsh lessons from seasonal rains in late 2023 and meteorological department warnings, the authorities did not take appropriate measures to avert further disaster in early 2024 and were slow to respond, Human Rights Watch said.
Kenyan authorities have a responsibility to ensure that all possible steps are taken to prevent or alleviate human suffering arising from the ongoing floods and to realize the rights to life, health, housing, food, water, and sanitation of those most affected. The authorities should ensure that the response is inclusive and respects people's rights.