The collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam in western Kenya led to at least 40 deaths as floodwaters engulfed houses in the Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley. Ongoing heavy rains in Kenya have caused widespread flooding, resulting in nearly 100 deaths. The East African region has been experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in neighboring countries as well, including Tanzania where 155 people have reportedly died. The Meteorology Department has warned of more rainfall in Kenya, further exacerbating the situation.
The collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam resulted in a wall of water sweeping through houses and cutting off a major road in the region, according to police officials. The dam, located in a flood-prone area, spilled water downstream, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Kenya’s main airport was flooded, forcing some flights to be diverted, while videos of a flooded runway, terminals, and cargo section circulated online. More than 200,000 people across Kenya have been affected by the floods, with houses in flood-prone areas submerged and people seeking refuge in schools.
President William Ruto instructed the National Youth Service to provide land for use as a temporary camp for those affected by the flooding. Schools in the region have been closed due to the flooding, with the opening of schools postponed as a result. The heavy rains in Kenya since mid-March have caused the flooding, with the Meteorology Department forecasting more rainfall in the coming days. The situation has prompted the government to take measures to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the floods.
The ongoing heavy rains in Kenya have led to the flooding incidents, resulting in nearly 100 deaths in the country. The East African region as a whole has been experiencing flooding due to the heavy rainfall, with neighboring countries like Tanzania and Burundi also affected. The floodwaters have submerged houses in flood-prone areas, forcing many people to seek refuge in temporary shelters. The collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam in the Great Rift Valley region has added to the devastation caused by the floods, with at least 40 people reported dead in the incident.
The flooding in Kenya has prompted the government to take action to assist those affected by the disaster, including providing temporary shelter for displaced individuals. President William Ruto’s directive to the National Youth Service to provide land for a temporary camp for flood victims is part of the government’s response to the crisis. The ongoing heavy rains and the resulting flooding have disrupted daily life in the affected areas, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
The collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam in western Kenya and the subsequent flooding incidents in the region have drawn attention to the impact of heavy rains and flooding in the country. The government’s response to the crisis, including providing temporary shelter for those affected and taking measures to address the immediate needs of the population, highlights the importance of effective disaster management and response. As the Meteorology Department warns of more rainfall in the coming days, it is essential for the government and relevant authorities to continue monitoring the situation and providing support to those affected by the floods. The recent flooding in Kenya serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the importance of proactive measures to minimize the impact of such events on people’s lives and livelihoods.
