29 April 2024 , 09:25
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40 people have died after a dam in Kenya collapsed and swept through surrounding villages. The collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam, in the country's Great Rift Valley region has also cut off traffic on a main highway.
At least 10 bodies have so far been recovered, and a search and rescue operation is ongoing. More than 15 families have also been displaced.
Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed at least ten people had died and search and rescue operations were underway – but there are fears the death toll could rise as 'many people' are still unaccounted for, locals have reported.
Naivasha sub-County Police Commander Stephen Kirui said that several people could be trapped in the mud. Mr Kirui said: "A search and rescue operation is underway after a dam in Old Kijabe burst and flooded part of Maai Mahiu town in Naivasha. The old dam burst early Monday morning before the water swept away several houses. Several people have also been rushed to hospital.”
One resident told Nation Africa that water gushed out from the area and swept away more than ten houses in the neighbourhood. Dozens, including children, are feared trapped in the mud as rescue efforts by the Kenya Red Cross and Nakuru County disaster management teams are ongoing. Most of the victims have been rushed to Naivasha Sub County Hospital.
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Police in Kenya say at least 40 people have died after a dam collapsed in the country's west (AP)An officer at the scene said rescuers were still combing through collapsed houses in an effort to rescue victims. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara said the floods caused massive destruction. The MP said: "The extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but the rescue operation is underway."
The Kenya National Highway Authority has also since issued a warning to motorists travelling along the Maai Mahiu-Naivasha highway.
The Old Kijabe Dam, located in the Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley region is said to be prone to flash floods. Ongoing rain in Kenya has caused flooding that has killed almost 100 people so far, and caused the opening of schools to be postponed.
According to Kenya's National Highways Authority (KeNHA) some parts of the main highway are completely blocked following the flood. A statement by keNHA reads: "Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kitabe have led water courses to experience an upsurge which has led to the washing away of debris and several houses.
"These areas are heavily affected, with road blockages reported. Currently, traffic is at a standstill around Mai Mahiu centre. The Authority is mobilizing efforts to clear the road and assess damages," KeNHA added.
TV47 Kenya later reported that 20 bodies had already been retrieved from the wreckage, although this figure is yet to be officially confirmed. Worried onlookers remained on scene, while a nearby hospital reported 61 patients had been brought in as a result of the floods, 17 of which were said to be in critical condition.
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