A devastating incident unfolded in Kenya as over 40 lives were lost due to a dam burst triggered by heavy rains and flooding.
The catastrophe struck Kamuchiri village in western Kenya, sweeping away homes and cutting off roads, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika described the situation as dire, with the death toll estimated at 42, though it’s believed that more victims may still be trapped in the mud.
Rescue efforts are underway, with teams tirelessly searching for survivors amidst the debris in the village near Mai Mahiu town, located about 60 kilometers from Nairobi.
Heartbreakingly, among the 42 bodies recovered, 17 were children, underscoring the tragic toll this disaster has taken on families.
Local resident David Kamau shared the unprecedented devastation witnessed in Mai Mahiu, highlighting the overwhelming impact of the floods on the community.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the government has made the difficult decision to postpone the reopening of schools across Kenya, anticipating further rainfall as forecasted.
The catastrophic flooding has displaced over 130,000 individuals, prompting many to seek refuge in schools amidst the ongoing crisis.
Beyond Kenya, neighboring Tanzania and Burundi have also faced the wrath of heavy rains, with Tanzania reporting over 155 fatalities since January, while nearly 100,000 people in Burundi have been displaced by the floods.
