Kenya Dam Burst Kills at Least 42, Dozens Missing After Heavy Rains

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens are missing after a dam burst in Mai Mahui, Kenya, following weeks of heavy rainfall and flash floods blamed on the El Nino weather system. The floodwaters originated from a nearby river that broke its banks in the early hours of Monday morning, according to the local Member of Parliament.

Over 100 people were rescued and treated at the Mai Mahiu health center, with 32 cases referred to the Naivasha sub-county hospital. Teams from the Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross, and community members are at the scene. The road leading to Narok has also caved in due to the flooding.

Why this matters: The devastating dam burst adds to the increasing death toll and destruction caused by the ongoing heavy rains and floods across Kenya. With over 131,000 people displaced and critical infrastructure damaged, the disaster emphasizes the pressing need for improved flood management and climate change adaptation measures in the region.

The floods have destroyed roads and bridges across the country, and the education ministry has postponed the start of a new school term by one week due to the severe impact on schools. Hydroelectric dams are filled to capacity, which could lead to massive downstream overflow. East Africa was hit by record floods during the last rainy season in late 2023, and scientists say climate change is causing more intense and frequent extreme weather events.

The Dark Tunnel Valley dam, located on Kijabe Hills, collapsed in the early hours of Monday morning, sweeping away tens of homes in the neighboring areas of Ruiru, Kamuchiri, and Geogious. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with over 102 people rescued from the mud and many more feared trapped. Motorists on the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu road were also affected, with several vehicles washed away and trapped in the mud.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika stated that the full impact of the dam's burst and destruction is yet to be established, and a full coordinated search and rescue operation involving the county, national government, and Kenya Red Cross is ongoing, with tens of residents still reported missing. "The fatal incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Monday, catching families unaware. Hundreds of rescued victims are receiving medical attention, and government, church, and private counselors have been deployed to offer psychosocial support to affected family members," Kihika said.

Key Takeaways

• At least 42 killed, dozens missing after dam burst in Kenya due to heavy rains.
• Over 100 rescued, critical infrastructure damaged, and schools postponed due to floods.
• Ongoing search and rescue operations, with many residents still reported missing.
• Disaster highlights need for improved flood management and climate change adaptation.
• East Africa hit by record floods, with climate change causing more extreme weather.