At least 40 people die in western Kenya after a dam collapses following heavy rains

People try to clear the area after a dam collapsed in Kamuchiri Village

Early Monday, a dam collapsed in western Kenya, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 40 lives as a surge of water inundated homes and blocked a major road, according to police reports.

The Old Kijabe Dam, situated in the Mai Mahiu area within the Great Rift Valley region known for flash floods, gave way, unleashing water downstream along with mud, rocks, and uprooted trees, said police official Stephen Kirui in a statement to The Associated Press.

Paramedics carry an injured woman after a dam collapsed in Kamuchiri Village

The aftermath saw vehicles caught in debris on one of Kenya’s busiest highways, with paramedics attending to the injured amidst extensive flooding.

Persistent rains across Kenya have triggered widespread flooding, claiming nearly 100 lives and disrupting school openings. The country has been facing heavy rains since mid-March, prompting warnings from the Meteorology Department about further precipitation.

People gather at the main road after a dam collapsed at Kamuchiri Village

Kenya’s Interior Minister, Kithure Kindiki, issued orders for the immediate inspection of all public and private dams and water reservoirs within a 24-hour period starting Monday afternoon, aiming to prevent similar incidents. The ministry indicated that evacuation and resettlement plans would follow the inspections.

The Kenya National Highways Authority issued alerts cautioning motorists about heavy traffic and blocked roads in areas like Naivasha and Narok, west of the capital, Nairobi.

People gather around a bus that was swept away after a dam collapsed at Kamuchiri Village

The broader East African region is grappling with flooding due to the persistent rains. In Tanzania, reports indicate 155 fatalities, with over 200,000 people affected in neighboring Burundi.

In another incident, a boat overturned in Kenya’s Garissa county on Sunday night. The Kenyan Red Cross reported rescuing 23 individuals, but several others remained missing.

People crossing a flooded area in Kenya

On Saturday, Kenya’s primary airport faced flooding, necessitating flight diversions. Images and videos circulated online showed a flooded runway, terminals, and cargo areas.

The floods have impacted over 200,000 people nationwide, leading to submerged homes in flood-prone regions and displacing individuals who sought shelter in schools.

A man swims from a submerged church compound after River Tana overflooded its banks following heavy rainfalls

In response, President William Ruto directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for a temporary camp to accommodate those affected by the floods.