Approximately 50 lives have been lost in Kenya due to torrential rains and subsequent flooding, according to a report from a Red Cross official.
The tragedy unfolded in villages near Mai Mahiu, situated roughly 60km (37 miles) from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Residents were caught unaware as they slept, swept away by the force of the floodwaters.
Rescue operations are underway in a race against time to save those trapped in the mud, with concerns mounting that the death toll may climb even higher.
Over the past month, more than 100 people have perished in floods that have wreaked havoc in various parts of Kenya.
The aftermath of the disaster paints a grim picture: a swath of destruction marked by mud, uprooted trees, and homes reduced to rubble. The roar of water shattered the tranquility of the night as it surged downstream, catching unsuspecting villagers off guard.
Survivors recount tales of frantic efforts to rescue loved ones amidst the chaos. Deden Muiri, one of the fortunate survivors, found himself engulfed by water in the dead of night, forced to bid what he believed to be his final farewell to family members. Miraculously, he managed to cling to life, saved by sheer determination and a stroke of luck.
The Kenya Red Cross has mobilized search and rescue teams to aid in the relief efforts. Anthony Muchiri, the organization’s emergency response manager, described the situation as unprecedented in his career, emphasizing the widespread devastation inflicted upon homes and lives alike.
Heartbreakingly, among the casualties recovered thus far, 17 were children.
Initially attributed to the bursting of a nearby dam by local authorities, the cause of the calamity has since been clarified by the Kenyan Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation. A blocked tunnel, impeded by debris and soil dislodged during heavy rainfall, led to a sudden surge of floodwater, overwhelming the surrounding areas.
Villages such as Kamuchiri and Kianugu bore the brunt of the catastrophe, with countless lives lost and homes swept away in the deluge.
