In western Kenya, tragedy struck early Monday as a dam collapse claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals. The Old Kijabe Dam, situated in the flood-prone Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley, gave way, unleashing a torrent that engulfed homes and severed a crucial road, according to authorities.
Stephen Kirui, a police official, recounted how the deluge, carrying debris ranging from mud to rocks and uprooted trees, wreaked havoc downstream. The aftermath saw vehicles ensnared amidst the wreckage on one of Kenya’s busiest highways, with emergency responders attending to the injured amid vast swathes of submerged terrain.
The incident adds to the toll of Kenya’s ongoing battle with flooding, a consequence of relentless rains since mid-March that have already claimed nearly 100 lives and delayed the reopening of schools. In response, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki swiftly mandated a comprehensive inspection of all public and private dams and reservoirs within a 24-hour timeframe, beginning Monday afternoon, with the aim of preventing future calamities. Evacuation and resettlement plans will follow the assessment.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority issued warnings of heavy traffic and road blockages around Naivasha and Narok, west of Nairobi, urging motorists to exercise caution. Beyond Kenya’s borders, the broader East African region grapples with similar woes, with Tanzania reporting 155 fatalities and over 200,000 affected in neighboring Burundi.
In a separate incident on Sunday night, a boat capsized in Kenya’s Garissa county, prompting a swift response from the Kenyan Red Cross, which rescued 23 individuals while searching for others still missing.
The flooding’s impact reverberated further as Kenya’s main airport faced inundation, leading to flight diversions. Videos circulating online depicted flooded runways, terminals, and cargo sections. With over 200,000 people affected nationwide, flooded homes and displaced individuals seeking refuge in schools underscored the scale of the crisis.
In response to the dire situation, President William Ruto directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for use as temporary shelters for those affected, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts amidst the ongoing crisis.
