NAIROBI, Kenya- Residents in several parts of Nairobi have been ordered to evacuate immediately after the Water Resources Authority warned that the Nairobi Dam is on the verge of breaking its banks following days of heavy rainfall.
In an urgent notice issued Friday, authorities directed people living downstream of the dam to move to higher ground, citing an imminent risk of flooding as water levels continue to rise dangerously.
Estates affected
The evacuation order targets residents in at least six estates, including Kibera, Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang’ata, Nairobi West and Madaraka.
Officials warned that these areas lie directly in the path of potential floodwaters should the dam’s embankment give way.
Other neighbourhoods downstream, including parts of South B, Pipeline, Embakasi, Industrial Area and sections of Mukuru, have been placed on high alert as the situation remains volatile.
Dam at the breaking point
According to the authority, the dam, located in Kibera along the Ngong River, is facing mounting pressure from sustained heavy rains pounding the capital.
“Residents living downstream… are warned of imminent flood risk,” the notice stated, highlighting the danger posed by rapidly rising water levels that threaten to breach the dam’s embankment.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that more rainfall is expected across the Nairobi metropolitan area, raising fears that the situation could deteriorate further in the coming hours.
City already reeling from floods
The evacuation comes against the backdrop of ongoing flooding that has already caused widespread disruption in Nairobi.
Recent heavy rains have submerged major roads, paralysed transport and displaced thousands of residents, with authorities struggling to manage rising water levels across the city.
In recent days, sections of key roads including Mombasa Road and parts of the CBD have experienced severe flooding, stranding motorists and disrupting businesses.
Govt on high alert
Government agencies say they are closely monitoring the dam and surrounding areas, with emergency response teams on standby.
Residents have been urged to act immediately and avoid waiting until the situation worsens.
“Everyone living or operating downstream of the dam is cautioned to move to higher ground,” the notice emphasised.
