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A dam collapsed in western Kenya early Monday, killing at least 40 people after a wall of water swept through houses and cut off a major road, police said.
The collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam in the Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley, known for its susceptibility to flash floods, resulted in water cascading downstream, carrying mud, rocks, and uprooted trees, as detailed by police official Stephen Kirui to Journalists.
The roads became cluttered with debris, including vehicles, while emergency medical personnel attended to the wounded amidst widespread flooding.
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Ongoing rains in Kenya have caused flooding that has already killed nearly 100 people and postponed the opening of schools. Heavy rains have been pounding the country since mid-March and the Meteorology Department has warned of more rainfall.
Kenya’s Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki has mandated the examination of all public and private dams and water reservoirs within 24 hours, commencing Monday afternoon, to prevent future occurrences. Following the inspection, the ministry will make recommendations for evacuations and resettlement.
The Kenya National Highways Authority issued an alert warning motorists to brace for heavy traffic and debris that blocked roads.
Also Read:Floods Devastate Kenya, Dozens Killed, Thousands Displaced
The wider East African region is experiencing flooding due to the heavy rains, and 155 people have reportedly died in Tanzania while more than 200,000 people affected in neighbouring Burundi.
A boat overturned in Kenya’s northern Garissa county on Sunday night, with the Kenyan Red Cross reporting the rescue of 23 individuals while more than a dozen remained unaccounted for.
On Saturday, Kenya’s primary airport experienced flooding, leading to the diversion of some flights. Videos circulating online depicted a flooded runway, terminals, and cargo section.
Over 200,000 individuals across Kenya have been impacted by the floods, resulting in submerged homes in flood-prone areas and people seeking shelter in schools.
President William Ruto directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for a temporary camp to accommodate those affected.
Source:AP
