Floods in Kenya (Photo courtesy of KNA)This morning, 20 people were found dead, their houses having been destroyed in massive landslides in the Maai Mahiu area of Nakuru County. Additional deaths have since been reported.
Several people were also injured in the deadly Maai Mahiu incident, and those most seriously wounded – over 30 of them – taken to Naivasha Hospital for treatment.
More than 100 people were rescued from the destruction, and the ones with minor injuries treated at the local Maai Mahiu Health Center.
The landslides are said to have occurred around 4 a.m. today, when a local seasonal dam burst its seams following the incessant downpour. The gushing water felled trees, swept away motor vehicles, and destroyed homes.
Meanwhile, Kenyan schools will not open on Monday, April 29th as earlier planned. The Ministry of Education issued a statement last night, informing parents that the school opening date has been rescheduled to May 6th 2024.
Over 70 Feared Dead in Kenyan Floods
The death toll from flood-related incidents in the country continues to rise. Yesterday, reliable sources put the number of casualties to be over 70, but with the deaths reported this morning, the toll must be close to 100.
Kenya has suffered unprecedented floods in recent weeks, with the last few days being among the worst. Incessant rains have continued to hit the country, with the city of Nairobi and the Mount Kenya region being among the areas most affected.
In recent days, the Kenya Red Cross and different government agencies have evacuated more than 100,000 people to safety.
This is after several houses, some within the city slums and others in rural areas, were submerged in water. Elsewhere, roads have been rendered impassable, even where drainage systems have normally been well maintained.
In the past week, scores of travelers have had scary experiences along the Kenya Super Highway, when floods made it dangerous for vehicles to drive through.
In other areas, local residents took matters into their hands as they tried to help travelers reach their destinations.
In the usually dry areas of northern Kenya, travelers found themselves in danger of drowning, as locals used boats to help them cross flooded areas.
As of today, it was still raining heavily in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and in the neighboring county of Kiambu.