Old Kijabe Dam Collapse in Mai Mahiu, Kenya Claims at Least 40 Lives, Rescue Operations Continue

The Old Kijabe Dam in Mai Mahiu, Kenya collapsed early Monday morning, releasing a devastating wall of water that swept through houses and cut off a major road. At least 40 people have lost their lives, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

The dam breach occurred around 2 am, causing heavy flooding in the region that is prone to flash floods. Tens of homes in the neighboring areas of Ruiru, Kamuchiri, and Geogious were swept away. Over 102 individuals have been rescued from the mud so far, but many more are feared trapped.

Motorists on the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu road were also affected, with several vehicles washed away and trapped in the mud. The Kenya National Highway Authority has issued a traffic advisory stating that some sections of the highway are impassable due to the flooding.

Authorities have attributed the dam's collapse to the ongoing heavy rains in the catchment area of Kinale and Kijabe. The rains have already claimed nearly 100 lives nationwide and forced the postponement of school openings. More than 200,000 people across Kenya have been affected by the floods, with houses in flood-prone areas submerged and people seeking refuge in schools.

Why this matters: The devastating dam collapse and widespread flooding underscore the vulnerability of communities in the face of extreme weather events. It highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate change adaptation measures to protect lives and livelihoods.

The Nakuru County Department of Health has mobilized relief efforts and provided medical care to the affected individuals. Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has called for a nationwide evaluation of dam safety and disaster management plans to prevent future occurrences. "We need to re-evaluate the safety of all dams in the country and come up with a disaster management plan to avert such occurrences in the future," Karanja stated.

The flooding has also impacted the wider East African region, with 155 reported deaths in Tanzania and over 200,000 people affected in neighboring Burundi. Kenyan President William Ruto has instructed the National Youth Service to provide land for temporary camps for those displaced by the floods.

Emergency responders, including the Kenya Police, County Disaster Team, and Kenya Red Cross, are working at the scene to locate survivors and provide assistance. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from the community also participating. As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety.

Key Takeaways

• Old Kijabe Dam in Kenya collapsed, killing at least 40 people.
• Flooding swept away homes and vehicles, with over 102 rescued so far.
• Authorities attribute collapse to heavy rains, impacting 200,000+ people nationwide.
• Calls for nationwide dam safety review and disaster management plan.
• Ongoing search and rescue efforts, with displaced people seeking refuge.