Dam Burst Claims Dozens Of Lives Amid Torrential Rain In Kenya.
By Caroline Ameh
Kenya’s Rift Valley, a makeshift dam burst its banks, resulting in the loss of at least 83 lives. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday amidst heavy rains and flooding, pushing the death toll for the March-May wet season in Kenya to over 120. The region has been grappling with intensified rainfall, exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of the dam breach, describing it as akin to an earthquake with sounds resembling a moving train. Margaret Wangechi, a 52-year-old teacher, shared her experience of the deluge engulfing everything in its path, including homes and vehicles.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with authorities recovering 45 bodies so far, while 110 individuals are receiving treatment in hospitals, according to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. Rescue teams, utilizing tools and even their bare hands, are tirelessly searching through debris in hopes of finding survivors.
The tragic incident unfolded at the Old Kijabe dam, a structure formed naturally over decades following railway construction by Kenya’s former colonial rulers. In response to the catastrophe, Kenya’s interior minister, Kithure Kindiki, announced government directives to inspect all public and private dams and recommend evacuations where necessary.
In a separate incident, a boat capsized in flooded Tana River County, resulting in two fatalities and the rescue of 23 individuals. This event underscores the perilous conditions prevailing across the country due to the heavy rains.
The impact of the deluge extends beyond Kenya’s borders, with neighboring Tanzania reporting at least 155 fatalities from flooding and landslides. Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi have also experienced casualties and displacements due to the relentless rains.
Monday’s dam tragedy is reminiscent of a similar event six years ago in Solai, Nakuru County, which claimed 48 lives. The recurrence of such disasters highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate patterns like El Niño.
