Amid
heavy rains and floods in Kenya, a building collapse in capital Nairobi
killed at least 3, while many others are feared trapped in the rubble
Reuters
A seven-story residential building collapsed in the Kenyan
capital, Nairobi, killing at least three people, with many others feared
trapped in the rubble, according to Red Cross officials. The country is
currently facing a spate of heavy rains and floods that have caused
damage to life and property in many parts.
The building in the Huruma area of Nairobi was inhabited by
about 100 people, of whom around 45 have been rescued, Red Cross
spokeswoman Arnolda Shiundu told CNN.
Abbas Gullet, head of the Red Cross in Kenya, confirmed they
recovered three bodies from the building collapse site, adding that the
military was bringing in cranes and cutting equipment to expedite the
rescue work.
Although the cause of the collapse of the building is yet to
be determined, Shiunda quoted people as saying that the bottom floors
of the building began caving before the collapse. It is feared that
heavy rains might have caused the collapse. She added that officials do
not have an idea of how many people are missing from the "chaotic
scene."
Among the survivors, most of the adults have been taken to
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, while children were taken to Kenyatta
National Hospital, CNN reported, citing its affiliate KTN.
Red Cross volunteers and residents were reportedly helping
national and local police officers in the rescue work. A KTN video
reportedly shows rescue workers removing the rubble by hand as large
crowds surround the site. Rescue work was ongoing at the time of filing
of the report.
At least three people were killed when a wall collapsed in a similar incident in another area in the capital city, BBC reported, citing local media reports.The series of collapses in the rain and flood-hit country in the past year prompted President Uhuru Kenyatta to order an audit of all the buildings in the country, BBC wrote.
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