Death toll reaches 181 in Kenya floods amid ongoing heavy rains
A woman carrying her baby on the back looks on near her house in a muddy area heavily affected by torrential rains and flash floods in Mai Mahiu, on April 29, 2024. AFP
ALBAWABA- The death toll from flooding in Kenya has risen to 181 as heavy rains continue to cause massive destruction across the country.
On Monday, a dam burst in the town of Mai Mahiu, about 50 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, destroying homes and blocking highways as torrential rains wreak havoc.
Since March, a total of 181 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides in Kenya, with hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes, according to statements from the government and the Red Cross on Wednesday.
Additionally, dozens more have reportedly died in neighboring Tanzania and Burundi.
Kenyan President Ruto has visited flood victims, urging citizens to evacuate before it’s too late.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura initially announced on Wednesday that the death toll stood at 179, including 15 children, with at least 125 Kenyans injured.
However, later reports from Felix Maiyo, the South Rift Regional Manager of the Kenya Red Cross, revealed that two more bodies were found among the debris.
Efforts to rescue people are ongoing, with Kenya Red Cross employees assisting in the evacuation of locals whose homes have been flooded in the Kitengela municipality, located 33 km from Nairobi.
They also worked to rescue tourists stranded in camps in the town of Narok, 215 kilometers outside Nairobi.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).