Recent heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Kenya, especially in the Mai Mahiu region of central Kenya. More than 140 people have died and a large number of people have been displaced from their homes after the severe floods. The crisis has further increased due to the breakdown of a dam in the area.
Kenya: 42 people lost their lives in Mai Mahiu
The death toll in Mai Mahiu alone has increased from 20 to 42, with the number expected to rise further. The death toll may rise after a dam broke in the area early Monday. Police gave this information.
Naivasha Police Commander Stephen Kirui said, “We have so far recovered 42 bodies, which include 17 minors.” Following the morning incident, a dam broke on its banks in Kijabe area and a search and rescue operation is underway.
Rescue efforts continue
Several people have been taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to flash floods affecting Kamuchiri Village.
The floodwaters are reported to have originated from a nearby river that broke its banks.
The Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross and community… pic.twitter.com/fgcuyGDaBJ
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 29, 2024
Pictures of the horrific flooding were posted on the X account of Kenyan media, the Kenya Red Cross. Highway authorities showed scenes of the flood’s aftermath, with trees uprooted and cars stuck between logs and mud.
national impact
Government figures, excluding the Mai Mahiu incident, show that as of Monday, 103 people had been killed and more than 185,000 displaced. The Kenya Red Cross said on Friday that its personnel had recovered two bodies after a boat capsized in the Tana River in Garissa county in eastern Kenya late Sunday night. At the same time, twenty-three people were rescued in the incident.
regional impact
Pic Credit: X
Dozens of people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced due to heavy rains in other East African countries, including Tanzania and Burundi.
The floods have caused widespread damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges. A road underpass at the international airport in the capital Nairobi was flooded but flights were operating normally, the Kenya Airports Authority said on Sunday.
A government spokesperson said that: Hydroelectric dams have been filled to full capacity, causing massive overflows downstream.
Climate Change Concerns and Education Ministry’s Response
East Africa was also hit by record flooding during the last rainy season in late 2023. Scientists say climate change is causing more intense and frequent extreme weather events. Kenya’s Education Ministry on Monday postponed the start of the new school year by a week.
A statement said, The devastating impact of rain in some schools is so severe that it would be unwise to risk the lives of learners and staff.
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