More than 40 people have lost their lives in Kenya following a dam breach, contributing to a total death toll exceeding 120 due to widespread flooding
The fatalities occurred on Monday in the Mai Mahiu area, where the dam collapse compounded the casualties from sudden flash floods.
“We have recovered 42 bodies, including 17 minors, following the morning incident where a dam overflowed in the Kijabe area. Rescue and search operations are ongoing,” stated police at the site in Mai Mahiu.
The heavy rains have filled hydroelectric dams to capacity, posing a significant risk of downstream overflow, according to a government spokesperson.
Earlier on Monday, the Kenya Red Cross reported transporting multiple individuals to health facilities due to flash flooding in the area.
Kenyan authorities are grappling with chaotic conditions caused by the ongoing heavy rains in East Africa, exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern.
Over the weekend, government data indicated 76 fatalities and more than 131,000 displacements. The floods have caused extensive damage to roads and bridges nationwide.
Despite flooding affecting a road underpass at Nairobi’s international airport, flight operations remain unaffected, as confirmed by the Kenya Airports Authority on Sunday.
The government has postponed the start of the new school term by one week, citing severe impacts on schools and the need for comprehensive safety measures.
Earlier this month, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall across various regions until May.
In neighboring countries, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced in Burundi, and Tanzania has reported at least 58 fatalities and thousands left homeless.