Kenya Red Cross reports flooding in Mombasa, Kwale
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 23, 2026Heavy rains and strong winds have disrupted life in parts of Kenya’s Coast region, with the Kenya Red Cross reporting flooding in Mombasa and Kwale counties on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
“Heavy rains and strong winds have caused widespread disruption in Mombasa County and Kwale County,” the agency said in a post on X.
The statement confirmed that more than 100 households have been affected, and emergency teams are on the ground assessing the damage.
In Mombasa County, 103 households have been affected and nine people displaced across Jomvu, Kisauni, Changamwe and Likoni. Flooding hit low-lying areas, while strong winds damaged homes in Freretown, where iron-sheet roofs were blown off. Residents in affected areas spent the night dealing with water entering their homes and trying to move their belongings to safety.
Flash floods also hit Nyali, where fast-moving water disrupted movement and affected residential areas. In some parts of Jomvu and Changamwe, floodwater cut off access roads and left homes surrounded, making movement difficult.
Health services were also affected. Jomvu Model Hospital and Tudor Sub-County Health Facility became inaccessible after floodwaters rose around the facilities. This forced disruptions in access to care at a time when residents needed services.
In Kwale County, the situation affected Lungalunga and Vanga areas, where five households reported flooding. Although the number of households was lower than in Mombasa, strong currents raised safety concerns.
Search, rescue operations
The Kenya Red Cross also reported an ongoing search for a boda boda rider who was swept away while crossing a flooded bridge near the Shimba Hills area. Rescue teams said fast-moving water has slowed down search efforts.
The agency said response teams had already moved into affected areas to carry out assessments and support residents. It noted that households in low-lying zones and near drainage channels faced the worst impact.
County teams and emergency responders also worked to clear blocked drainage systems to reduce further flooding. Health officials warned residents not to walk through floodwaters, citing risks of waterborne disease, hidden debris and electrical hazards.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier warned of heavy rainfall across several regions between April 22 and April 27. In its advisory, it said coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River, faced a high risk of flooding.
The department said some areas could receive more than 70 millimetres of rain, increasing the chance of flash floods, especially in low-lying and poorly drained settlements.
It also warned that strong winds and rough sea conditions would affect coastal areas. The notice stated that “the upcoming rainfall may be accompanied by gusty winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s)” and that sea waves could rise above two metres along the coast.
Kenya Met advised residents to avoid flooded roads and bridges and to stay alert as rainfall continues. It also warned that flooding can occur even in areas that do not receive heavy rain directly, especially downstream.