Kenya Rift Valley Floods and Dam Burst Kill at Least 71, Injure 110

At least 71 people have been killed and 110 injured in floods and a dam burst in Nakuru county, Kenya near the town of Mai Mahiu. The incident occurred on Monday morning, with the floods sweeping away cars, buildings, and everything in sight. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 102 people rescued so far and taken to hospitals in Nakuru county.

The Old Kijabe Dam, located in the Mai Mahiu area, collapsed early Monday, carrying mud, rocks, and uprooted trees downstream. Vehicles were caught in the debris on one of Kenya's busiest highways, and paramedics treated the injured as waters submerged large areas. The victims were mostly women, children, and the elderly who were unable to escape the floodwaters.

The Kenyan Red Cross reported that 109 people were rescued and taken to hospitals in Naivasha, and 49 people were reported missing. The Nakuru County Health Department has mobilized a comprehensive relief effort, dispatching ambulances and medical teams to the area. The floods also destroyed part of the Nairobi-Nakuru railway line, and local leaders are working to repair the road.

Why this matters: The devastating floods in Kenya's Rift Valley region highlight the severe impact of extreme weather events compounded by climate change. With the death toll expected to rise and over 130,000 people displaced across the country, the disaster underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience measures in the region.

The government has called for inspections of all dams and reservoirs within 24 hours and said it would arrest people engaging in 'risky behavior' like attempting dangerous crossings or transporting passengers across flooded rivers. The heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the wider East African region, with 155 people reported dead in Tanzania and more than 200,000 people affected in neighboring Burundi. Kenya's Interior Minister has ordered the inspection of all public and private dams and water reservoirs to prevent future incidents, as the country's Meteorology Department has warned of more rainfall.

Key Takeaways

• At least 71 killed, 110 injured in floods and dam burst in Nakuru, Kenya
• Old Kijabe Dam collapse caused mudslide, destroyed buildings and vehicles
• 109 rescued, 49 missing; road and rail infrastructure damaged
• Floods highlight climate change impact, need for better disaster preparedness
• Kenya orders inspections of all dams, warns of more rainfall in East Africa