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[PHOTOS] Havoc as floods render roads impassible

A section of the Mbogolo bridge in Kilifi was washed away by raging floods.

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by JAMES MBAKA

In-pictures25 November 2023 - 13:15
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In Summary


  • President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that plans are underway to mitigate the ongoing flood disaster.
  • The President said at least 70 lives have been lost and 36,000 households displaced following the intense downpour.
A section of Hola-Garissa road cut off by flood waters.

A section of roads in the country have been rendered impassable by the ongoing heavy El Nino rains.

Some roads have been totally cut off and residents forced to seek alternative routes.

On Saturday, the Mombasa-Malindi highway was impassable after a section of the Mbogolo bridge was washed away by raging floods.

The Hola-Tana River road was also rendered impassable by raging flood waters.

KeNHA said in a statement that the Tana River burst its banks between Madogo Total Station, Mororo, and Tana River Bridge.

This, the authority said, led to the flooding of the section between Madogo Town and Tana River Bridge.

Garissa and Tana River are among the most affected counties by floods as detailed in needs assessments conducted in the two counties by the Flood Command Centre managed by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) as at November 23, 2023.

Garissa County is prone to flooding due to its flat and low lying topography.

The main flood risks are associated with seasonal lagas and Tana River Basin on the western side of the county.

Another section of Mombasa-Malindi highway was submerged in water at Mtondia a few kilometers from Kilifi town.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a traffic advisory and announced the closure of the road.

"KeNHA informs the public that Mbogolo Bridge on Mtwapa - Kilifi (A7) Road has been cut off. The cut of this bridge disrupts traffic to and from Mombasa. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route of Mombasa-Mazeras-Kaloleni -Mavueni-Kilifi Road," KeNHA said.

"Currently, new bridge is being constructed in this area as part of the Kwa Kadzengo-Kilifi Road Project."

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that plans are underway to mitigate the effects of the ongoing floods disaster.

The President said at least 70 lives have been lost and 36,000 households displaced following the intense downpour.

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