A devastating dam burst in southern Kenya has claimed the lives of at least 35 people, with many others still missing.
The incident occurred near Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, where heavy rains and flash floods have been wreaking havoc for weeks.
Rescue efforts are underway as teams work tirelessly to locate survivors buried under mud and debris.
Governor Susan Kihika expressed concern that the death toll could rise significantly given the severity of the situation.
The flooding crisis in Kenya has been exacerbated by continuous heavy rains since mid-March, causing widespread devastation and displacing thousands of residents.
Government spokesperson Isaac Maigua Mwaura confirmed that at least 103 people have lost their lives due to flooding since March.
In Mai Mahiu, Governor Kihika described the scene as overwhelming, with floodwaters sweeping away homes and people.
Access to the affected areas has been challenging due to road damage caused by the rains.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has been actively involved in rescue operations, with several people receiving medical attention at health facilities in Mai Mahiu.
The floods originated from a nearby river that overflowed its banks.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) highlighted the combined impact of El Niño and the ongoing March-May 2024 long rains, which have intensified flooding across Kenya since November 2023.
Images and videos from affected areas depict the scale of destruction, with people stranded on rooftops and significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The Ministry of Education has postponed the start of the new school term in response to the crisis.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Tanzania, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reported significant casualties due to flooding, with at least 155 people losing their lives.
The impact of heavy rains has also been felt in Burundi and other parts of East Africa.
Source-CNN
