Nairobi-Garissa Road closed as floods hit the area
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of Nairobi-Garissa (A3) Road following the floods at Arer Area, which is between Bangaley and Madogo in Tana River County.
According to the authority, a section of the road was affected by the ongoing heavy rains which occurred last night, rising the water levels along the entire stretch.
“The flooding at Arer has compromised the road and diversion that was previously in use. This poses a high safety risk to the road users. This road, therefore, shall remain closed until the flood waters subside and the damaged section is reinstated,” the authority said.
Also, the staff from the authority have been dispatched to the site ready to deal with the washout immediately after the water subsides.
The motorists using the said road have been urged to be cautious and avoid driving in the floodwater for their safety.
Earlier on, a public service vehicle belonging to Umma Express Bus was swept in the said road with 51 passengers on board.
The police said that all the 51 passengers on board have been safely evacuated, and no casualties have been reported.
At the moment, tow boats have been dispatched by the Kenya Red Cross to assist the movement of people across the flooded section, and to rescue the residents around the era who have been marooned by the floods.
“Kenya Red Cross first responders in collaboration with community members are currently engaged in a challenging rescue operation to save the lives of several people stranded aboard a bus that has been marooned by raging waters at Arer near Tulla village, Tana River County,” Red Cross said.
The weatherman had forecasted heavy rains, and possible floods in some parts of the country.
Towards the end of last month, the heavy rains in Nairobi County swept away more than five people, some of whom, including the police officer who was rescuing the residents in Nairobi Kamukunji’s area have not been recovered.