By Bonface Mulyungi

Residents of the Sabaki, Mlolongo, and Syokimau areas in Machakos county are counting the losses after sudden flash floods swept through the region on Thursday night, damaging vehicles and buildings.

The flooding, which occurred at around 9:14 pm. behind Signature Mall, saw a number of cars submerged and some damaged by bricks falling from buildings.

Authorities said the situation escalated rapidly after intense downpour overwhelmed natural drainage channels, triggering overflow from a seasonal river that runs through the area.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said emergency response teams acted swiftly after receiving alerts.

“Our Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, together with the Fire and Rescue team, responded within five minutes of the alert and successfully evacuated all affected residents and guests to safety,” she said.

She said no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, commending the responders for their rapid coordination and professionalism during the night operation.

“I commend our emergency response teams for their professionalism, bravery and quick action in securing the area and supporting those affected,” she said.

The incident has renewed concerns over settlement in flood-prone zones within fast-growing urban areas such as Mlolongo and Syokimau, where rapid development has increasingly encroached on natural waterways.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department had warned that rainfall will continue in several parts of the country, including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the Coast, parts of the Southeastern Lowlands, and Northeastern Kenya.

The agency’s forecast raises concerns that already saturated ground conditions could heighten the risk of additional flash floods in vulnerable regions.

Authorities have urged residents living near rivers, riparian reserves, and other flood-prone areas to remain alert and avoid crossing swollen waterways, as the rainy season intensifies.