More than 40 people have been killed in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County after a dam burst its banks following weeks of torrential rains that also forced thousands from their homes.
The water burst through the walls of the Dark Tunnel Valley dam located on Kijabe Hills in the wee hours of Monday morning, sweeping away tens of homes, including those in the neighbouring Ruiru, Kamuchiri and Geogious areas, which border the reservoir.
Confirming the incident earlier on Monday morning, Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui noted that several survivors have been rushed to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
Out of the 42, 17 are minors, Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui confirmed, saying search and rescue operations are going on.
“We have recovered 42 bodies and many people are missing. It is a disaster.” Kirui said.
Motorist using the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu road were not spared either, as their vehicles were washed away, and some were trapped in the mud.
Five vehicles were still trapped in the mud, as the search and rescue team continued with the operation to retrieve bodies.
Over 100 people were rescued and treated at Mai Mahiu health center with 32 cases referred to Naivasha sub-county hospital.
Teams from the Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross and community members are at the scene.
Authorities said heavy rains in the catchment area of Kinale and Kijabe led to the dam’s collapse, washing away debris and several houses.
Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) announced that the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha road had been rendered impassable due to the floods caused by the collapsed dam.
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