At least 45 people have been killed in Kenya following flash flooding and landslides, initially blamed on a dam collapse but later determined to be caused by a clogged railway tunnel. In response to the disaster, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki ordered the inspection of all dams and water reservoirs, public and private, to prevent future incidents. The flooding swept through houses, cut off a major road, and left vehicles entangled in debris on one of the country’s busiest highways. The Kenya Red Cross reported 109 people hospitalized and 49 missing, with ongoing rains causing further damage and death since mid-March.
The wider East African region is experiencing flooding due to heavy rains, with 155 reported dead in Tanzania and more than 200,000 affected in neighboring Burundi. The situation has also been dire in Kenya, with a boat capsizing in Garissa county and the main airport flooded, impacting flights. Over 200,000 people have been affected by the floods, seeking refuge in schools with President William Ruto instructing the National Youth Service to provide temporary camps for those affected. The Kenya National Highways Authority issued alerts warning motorists of heavy traffic and blockages due to the floods in areas like Naivasha and Narok, west of Nairobi.
The ongoing rains in Kenya have led to at least 169 deaths since mid-March, prompting the country’s Meteorology Department to warn of more rainfall. The Kenyan Red Cross has been actively involved in rescue efforts, with reports of people escaping through rooftops as water fills their homes. Measures have been put in place to inspect and address potential risks associated with public and private dams, with recommendations for evacuations and resettlements expected after the inspections. Schools in Kenya have delayed reopening due to the continuous flooding, as the death toll nears 100 and the country remains on high alert for further casualties.
Efforts to address the flooding crisis have extended to neighboring countries, where the impact of heavy rains has been significant. In Tanzania, 155 people have died due to flooding, and more than 200,000 people are affected in Burundi. In Kenya, the situation has been exacerbated by the collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam and subsequent flash floods, causing widespread devastation and disruption. Ongoing rainfall has increased the risk of further damage and loss of life, prompting authorities to implement emergency measures and inspections to mitigate potential risks posed by the flooded dams and reservoirs in the country. The humanitarian response, including rescue operations and provision of temporary shelters, remains critical in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the natural disaster.
