Flooding disrupts Nairobi train service as experts predict more rainfall
Station Master Absalom Kainga said that efforts were underway to ensure no booked passenger was left behind.
Heavy rains in Nairobi caused major disruptions at the Central Railway Station on Monday night, leaving over 130 passengers stranded after floodwaters halted commuter train services to Syokimau SGR station.
This comes as climate experts warn of continued heavy rainfall across much of the Greater Horn of Africa.
At the Nairobi station, stranded passengers were told to wait as Kenya Railways mobilized buses to take them to the Syokimau SGR.
Station Master Absalom Kainga said that efforts were underway to ensure no booked passenger was left behind.
By 9:15 pm, passengers were still waiting for the promised buses.
The delays highlighted the ongoing impact of adverse weather on transportation and infrastructure in the city.
The IGAD Climate Predictions and Applications Center (ICPAC) has forecasted more than usual rainfall over large parts of eastern Kenya, including northeastern regions, which could trigger localized flooding.
"Moderate rainfall of between 50-200 millimeters is expected in most parts of Rwanda, Burundi, northwestern and southern Tanzania, western Uganda, coastal, northeastern and western Kenya, parts of western Ethiopia, northern South Sudan and southern Sudan," ICPAC stated.
The specialized agency of IGAD also issued a warning: "The expected heavy rainfall over parts of north-eastern Kenya and some regions in southern and northern Tanzania could trigger isolated flooding. Communities in low-lying areas should stay cautious."
Meanwhile, light rainfall of less than 50 millimeters is expected in central and southern Kenya and other areas such as Somalia, Uganda, and South Sudan.
In addition to rainfall, rising temperatures are a growing concern. ICPAC noted, "High temperatures of above 32℃elsius is expected over parts of Sudan and Afar region in Ethiopia."
Mild temperatures below 20℃ are expected over Rwanda, Burundi, central Ethiopia, and western and central Kenya.
Heat stress conditions are likely across South Sudan, Sudan, eastern Kenya, eastern Tanzania, and parts of Somalia and Eritrea, adding to the risks associated with the extreme weather.