Kenya:45 People Die After Dam Bursts in Mai Mahiu

By Samuel Ouma

At least 45 people have been confirmed dead after ravaging floods swept away homes in Mai Mahiu, northwest of Nairobi, Kenya.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, the disaster unfolded in the wee hours of Monday when a tunnel, filled with debris and holding back water for an extended period, broke its bank.

This occurred due to heavy downpours that have been pounding in different parts of the country.

The Kenyan government has revealed that more than 110 people have been rescued and are recuperating in various hospitals across the country.

“A combination of flash floods and a landslide swept off people, houses and cars in two villages in Kamuchiri area near Kijabe, within Nakuru County occasioning the deaths of scores of people,” said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

“While 45 bodies have already been retrieved along the path of the flash floods and the landslide, over 110 persons have been rescued so far and are recuperating in various hospitals within Nakuru County.”

A rescue operation, spearheaded by the Kenya Red Cross, is underway to locate the remaining victims.

According to reports, the whereabouts of 49 individuals remain unknown.