At least 40 people were killed in western Kenya when the Old Kijabe Dam collapsed, causing a wall of water to sweep through houses and cut off a major road. The region of Mai Mahiu in the Great Rift Valley is prone to flash floods, which carried mud, rocks, and trees downstream. Vehicles were trapped in debris on the roads, and paramedics treated the injured as large areas were submerged. Heavy rains in Kenya have caused widespread flooding, resulting in nearly 100 deaths and the postponement of school openings. The Meteorology Department has warned of more rainfall, prompting the interior minister to order the inspection of all public and private dams and water reservoirs within 24 hours to make recommendations for evacuations and resettlement.
The Kenya National Highways Authority issued a warning for motorists to expect heavy traffic and blocked roads due to the debris. The wider East African region is also experiencing flooding, with reports of 155 deaths in Tanzania and over 200,000 people affected in Burundi. In Garissa County, Kenya, a boat capsized on Sunday night, with the Kenyan Red Cross rescuing 23 people but more than a dozen still missing. The main airport in Kenya was flooded, leading to flight diversions, and videos showed a flooded runway, terminals, and cargo section. Over 200,000 people in Kenya have been impacted by the floods, with homes in flood-prone areas submerged and people seeking shelter in schools.
President William Ruto has directed the National Youth Service to provide land for use as a temporary camp for those affected by the flooding. The heavy rains in Kenya have also resulted in the collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. The police and emergency services have been working to treat the injured and clear the roads of debris. The flooding has caused chaos and disruption across the country, with reports of fatalities and infrastructure damage. The government is taking steps to inspect and secure other dams and reservoirs to prevent further disasters.
The heavy rains in Kenya have had a devastating impact, with President Ruto declaring a national disaster in response to the widespread flooding. The authorities are working to provide assistance to those affected, including setting up temporary camps for displaced individuals. The flooding in Kenya is part of a larger regional crisis, with neighboring countries also facing severe flooding and loss of life. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing heavy rainfall and the vulnerability of communities in flood-prone areas. The government and emergency services are working to address the immediate needs of those affected and to prevent further loss of life and damage.
