Several vehicles swept by floods in Bamburi as rains wreak havoc in Mombasa

Several vehicles have been swept by floods in many estates as rains wreak havoc in the region.

Many commuters and motorists were seen struggling to wade the waters as others swam through the water.

At Kongowea market in Mombasa, People were being carried away by floods as they struggled to keep the pace of the flowing water.

As others tried to rescue those being swept away, they were in turn also swept away as residents remained speechless.

The market came to a standstill as shoppers tried to close down the business but the rains could not let them.

So far more than 60 people have been killed separately in rain-related incidents.

With the happenings ongoing, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir has urged residents to reach out to emergency hotlines over the flood situation in the county.

“The rains have persisted since yesterday (Thursday) here in Mombasa. Please reach out through the contact hotlines below for medical and rescue emergencies,” he said.

The hotlines include 0707911911 and 0788911911.

The current enhanced rainfall is a result of the El Niño phenomenon and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which drives rains into East Africa.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the El Niño event is expected to last at least until April 2024, influencing weather patterns and contributing to a further spike in temperatures both on land and in the ocean.

However, the enhanced rains in Kenya may last until January, when the short rains season normally ends.

“The probability for above-normal rainfall is enhanced in the Indian Ocean north of the equator and extends towards the eastern coast of Africa and into the Greater Horn of Africa, where along the equator it extends further towards western Africa,” WHO said in a statement.