Urgent Appeal: Recent Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Nairobi
**Urgent Appeal: Recent Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Nairobi**
The torrential rains that lashed Nairobi overnight have left a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. Riverine communities have borne the brunt of the chaos, with some areas reporting tragic loss of life.
While the Ngong River has spared lives, it has mercilessly swept away homes and inundated households with garbage from upstream. The wanton disposal of solid waste in inappropriate locations continues to exacerbate the situation, with much of it finding its way into the Nairobi Dam.
We urgently appeal to all those able and willing to assist, be it through technical expertise or financial aid, to join hands in preventing future calamities like these. It is imperative that we act swiftly to avert further loss of lives and property due to the relentless fury of the rain.
⚠️ **Urgent Update: Heavy rains continue to threaten the safety of communities along the Nairobi River. 🌊 Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Stay informed, avoid flooded zones, and be prepared to evacuate if required. Let's stand together, prioritize safety, and safeguard our communities." Dr. Pamela Olet, Chairperson Nairobi Rivers Commission #NairobiRiver #CommunitySafety #StayInformed #Lettheriversflow"
Tragically, the recent downpours have claimed at least four lives in Nairobi. Among the victims is a brave police officer who lost his life while rescuing stranded families in the Kamukunji area. Despite efforts, his body has yet to be recovered.
The officer, stationed at Kamukunji police station, had responded to a distress call to save a family trapped in a flooded house.
Today, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet, along with Commissioners Dr. Duncan Ojwang and Grace Messoppir, embarked on an extensive tour of Nairobi Dam and its key tributaries to address the escalating waste pollution crisis. Joined by the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (SMEDI), CEO of ETCO - Collince Onyango, community leaders, and representatives from the Ngong River Regeneration Network, the team assessed the severe impact of waste along critical points, including Area 51 - Sarang'ombe Bridge, Soweto West Bridge, Kibera South Hospital Bridge, and Nairobi Dam itself.
ETCO's continued children feeding program remains a beacon of hope for the community, providing nutritious meals to those in need every Saturday. Today, we served Githeri, a traditional Kenyan dish made from a delightful combination of maize and beans. This nutritious meal is not only enjoyed by the children but also by the youth and elderly who participate in our program. The smiles on their faces as they savor the food remind us of the impact we are making in their lives.
Another learning experience to engage with the community in Mathare and the River Line communities. Event filled with events and transfer of knowledge and information.