Devastation in Central Kenya as Flash Floods and Landslide Claim Lives
In a tragic turn of events, central Kenya has been struck by flash floods and a landslide, resulting in the loss of at least 45 lives and injuries to over 110 individuals. The calamity unfolded in the town of Mai Mahiu, where surging floodwaters demolished homes and vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Initial reports from police suggested that the flooding was due to a dam failure, but subsequent clarifications by the ministry of water attributed the disaster to a river tunnel beneath a railway embankment being clogged with debris. This obstruction led to an overwhelming surge of water that, according to the ministry, “swept the railway line and started moving downstream with a very high speed and velocity causing destruction of property and loss of lives.”
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki addressed the nation, stating, “While 45 bodies have already been retrieved along the path of the flash floods and the landslide, search, rescue and recovery is ongoing.” The distressing scenes included a large expanse of rail track, embankment, and trees being carried away by the landslide. In the aftermath, residents were seen salvaging what remained of their possessions from the engulfing mud.
Local farmer Joel Kuria recounted his harrowing experience, having narrowly escaped with his family as their home was engulfed. “The grumbling sound was scary and was worsened by screams of victims being washed downstream,” he shared with reporters.
The recent events have escalated Kenya’s death toll from heavy rains and flooding to over 140 since last month, with President William Ruto citing climate change as the culprit for the widespread displacement affecting nearly 185,000 people. In Nairobi alone, approximately 10,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.
Road and Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen expressed concerns that the death toll in Mai Mahiu might continue to climb. The region is not alone in its suffering; neighboring East African nations have also been battered by severe weather, leading to additional fatalities and hundreds of thousands displaced.
The Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved in rescue operations, recently recovering two bodies from a capsized boat on the Tana River. Meanwhile, infrastructure in Nairobi has been compromised, with an underpass at the international airport flooded and hydroelectric dams reaching brimming points.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed his condolences for the lives lost and the damage inflicted by the floods across Kenya, reflecting a somber international response to the country’s plight.
