Residents of Mlolongo Estate were rescued unharmed after flash floods swept through parts of the area following heavy rainfall, as authorities continue to warn of rising flood risks across the country.

The incident comes as the Kenya Red Cross warned that more than 250 households remain at risk of flooding in Tana River County due to rising water levels along the River Tana.

In a statement by Machokos governor Wavinya Ndeti in her X account on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Kenya Red Cross said at least 25 houses had already been submerged by floodwaters in Galili Village, forcing emergency evacuation efforts.

“Kenya Red Cross teams are carrying out assessments and registering affected families in Galili Village, where at least 25 houses have been submerged by floodwaters,” the agency said.

Flood risk rises in Tana River

The humanitarian agency noted that families are currently being relocated to a planned displacement camp at Bale as rescue and evacuation operations continue.

“More than 250 households remain at risk as water levels continue to rise. Families are being relocated to the planned displacement camp at Bale as evacuation efforts continue,” the statement added.

The growing concern follows reports by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, which identified 59 flood-prone areas across the five subcounties of Tana River.

The Tana Delta subcounty was listed as the most affected, with 32 high-risk areas, including Feji, Kiembe, Kipini Division, Ozi Mtangani and Salama.

Evacuation warning

Other vulnerable areas include Masabubu, Rhoka, Bondeni and Mororo in Tana River subcounty, as well as Bura, Madogo and Ziwani in Bangale.

Authorities say the ongoing heavy rains have worsened the flooding crisis in several counties. By May 2, 2026, at least 18 people had reportedly died nationwide due to floods, with the Eastern region recording the highest number of fatalities.

In neighbouring Garissa County, more than 10,000 households have reportedly been displaced after floodwaters swept through villages including Bulla Punda and Bulla Sheikh, forcing residents to seek shelter in safer areas.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has directed residents living along river banks and low-lying areas to vacate immediately as a precautionary measure.

The governor also announced plans to construct low-cost housing in safer village clusters to provide long-term solutions for communities repeatedly displaced by floods.

Heavy rains triggered flash floods in the Sabaki area of Mlolongo/Syokimau on Thursday night after a seasonal river burst its banks, flooding homes and a hotel near Signature Mall.

The floods affected Aries Residence and an adjacent hotel, forcing emergency teams to evacuate residents and guests to safety.

The incident occurred at around 9:14 pm as heavy rainfall pounded the area, raising fresh fears over flooding in low-lying estates and riparian zones.