MAI MAHIU, Kenya: At least 42 individuals lost their lives when a dam burst near Mai Mahiu in Kenya’s Rift Valley, according to Nakuru county governor Susan Kihika. The catastrophic event, exacerbated by heavy rains and flooding, caused houses to be washed away and roads to be blocked, with ongoing efforts to recover more victims from the mud.
The tragic incident adds to the toll of casualties from the relentless rainfall and floods during the March-May wet season, which has claimed a total of 120 lives across East Africa. The Kenya Red Cross reported the retrieval of two bodies from a capsized boat in flooded Tana River county, with 23 others rescued. The devastating floods have displaced over 130,000 people in Nairobi alone, prompting the postponement of school reopenings due to safety concerns.
Neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Burundi have also been severely affected, with fatalities and displacements reported. Uganda has experienced heavy storms, leading to riverbank breaches and additional casualties.
The recent dam collapse echoes a similar tragedy in 2018 in Solai, Nakuru county, which claimed 48 lives and caused widespread destruction. The recurrence underscores the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters exacerbated by climate patterns like El Nino, which brings about alternating periods of drought and heavy rains.
Despite recovery efforts, the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of previous disasters, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. The severity of the current situation underscores the importance of international cooperation and assistance in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing floods and environmental challenges in East Africa.
