Nairobi homes destroyed by floods as Cyclone Hidaya nears Kenya

The recent heavy rains and flooding in East Africa have left a trail of destruction, with hundreds of homes demolished in Nairobi, Kenya. The government issued an order for residents living near rivers to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground to prevent further deaths.

In Mukuru Wa Reuben slum, twisted scraps of metal and misplaced mattresses are all that remain of what were once people’s homes. Across Nairobi County, hundreds of people have been affected by the demolitions.

Many residents were caught off guard by the short notice given by authorities, with some returning from work to find their houses decimated. Nicholas, a casual laborer, expressed his shock and frustration at the lack of time given to prepare for the demolitions.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Tanzania, the government is on standby to evacuate people living in coastal areas at risk from a cyclone named Hidaya. President William Ruto has ordered schools to be shut indefinitely in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact.

The floods in East Africa have already claimed the lives of 210 people, with more missing. The government has relocated thousands of people to newly built camps, but the risk of further flooding remains high.

As the region braces for more heavy rains and the threat of a cyclone, residents like Phylis in Nairobi are calling on authorities to provide a clear plan for relocation and assistance for those affected by the natural disasters. The situation is dire, and the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable communities is paramount.