Tragedy Strikes in Kenya as Dam Breaks Amid Heavy Rains, Leaving Dozens Dead
A tragic incident unfolds in southern Kenya as a dam breach claims the lives of at least 35 individuals, with many more missing in the aftermath. The region, already reeling from weeks of relentless rain, witnesses homes and vehicles being swept away by the floodwaters, adding to the devastation caused by the ongoing heavy downpours.
At least 35 people have lost their lives and many others are unaccounted for following a dam break in southern Kenya. The incident has resulted in homes and vehicles being washed away due to the heavy rainfall and flash floods that have been affecting the country for weeks.
Rescue teams are currently working to search for survivors amidst the mud and debris near Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, according to Governor Susan Kihika. She cautioned that the number of casualties may increase significantly as the operation continues.
The incident occurred amidst widespread flooding in Kenya, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 103 people and displacement of thousands since March, according to government spokesperson Isaac Maigua Mwaura.
In Mai Mahiu, Kihika described a dire situation where floodwaters have washed away people and homes.
Kihika mentioned that they are working hard to manage the situation, even though it feels a bit overwhelming. Their main focus is on reaching those who have been swept away, as they hold onto hope that some may still be alive.
According to Kihika, accessing Mai Mahiu, which is located 20 miles north of Nairobi, has been challenging due to a section of the road being blocked by heavy rains. Teams are currently clearing debris in order to reach survivors and retrieve bodies.
On Monday, the Kenya Red Cross Society said several people were taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to the flash floods affecting Kamuchiri village.
A man swims from a submerged church compound, after the River Tana broke its banks following heavy rains at Mororo, border of Tana River and Garissa counties, North Eastern Kenya, on April. 28, 2024.
A man was seen swimming from a submerged church compound in Mororo, at the border of Tana River and Garissa counties in North Eastern Kenya. This happened after heavy rains caused the River Tana to overflow on April 28, 2024. The image was captured by Andre Kasuku for the Associated Press.
The group reported that the floodwaters came from a nearby river that overflowed. Kenya has been experiencing heavy rain since mid-March, but the downpours have worsened in the past week, causing widespread flooding.
Kenya is currently experiencing a severe flood crisis caused by a combination of El Niño and the ongoing March-May 2024 long rains. This weather phenomenon originates in the Pacific Ocean along the equator and has global weather impacts. Since November 2023, El Niño has led to destructive floods and river overflows, resulting in over a hundred fatalities and extensive damage.
The devastating floods have affected approximately 131,450 individuals as they swept through nearly half of Kenya.
Images and video from Nairobi, which has been badly impacted, show people stranded on rooftops or salvaging what they can from homes destroyed by the flash floods.
Residents sift through the rubble as they recover their belongings after the Nairobi river burst its banks and destroyed their homes within the Mathare valley settlement in Nairobi, Kenya April 24, 2024.
Residents in Nairobi, Kenya are sorting through the debris to find their belongings. This comes after the Nairobi river overflowed and washed away their homes in the Mathare valley settlement on April 24, 2024.
Photo credit: Monicah Mwangi/Reuters
Related article
Kenya floods leave 76 dead as truck is swept away in deluge
Vast flooding is seen around the Tana River in a video, showing large parts of the surrounding area underwater. Roads, buildings, and vehicles are all submerged.
The Ministry of Education has announced that the start of the new school term for primary and secondary schools will be postponed for one week until May 6.
On Sunday, a boat capsized at Kona Punda while heading to Mororo, Tana River County. The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that 23 people were rescued and others were still missing.
Since the rain started in March, the group has rescued over 300 individuals as of Friday.
Heavy rains in East Africa have also affected Tanzania and Burundi. Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Thursday that at least 155 people have been killed by flooding in the country.
Editor's P/S:
The dam break in southern Kenya is a heartbreaking tragedy that has claimed the lives of at least 35 people. The heavy rainfall and flash floods have also caused extensive damage to homes and vehicles, leaving many people homeless and in need of assistance.
The flooding in Kenya is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events that have been occurring around the world in recent years. These events are becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that climate change is increasing the risk of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and tropical cyclones.
It is important to take action to address climate change and reduce the risk of future disasters. We need to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases, which are the main cause of climate change. We also need to invest in adaptation measures, such as building seawalls and flood barriers, to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change.
