Kenyan authorities are scrambling to locate survivors and recover bodies following devastating floods and mudslides that ripped through central Kenya. The death toll in Mai Mahiu, a town located roughly halfway between Nairobi and Nakuru, has risen to at least 48, with a further 84 people missing.
Flash Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc
The tragedy unfolded early Monday morning when torrential rains triggered flash floods and mudslides that swept away homes, cars, and even railway tracks. Residents described a terrifying wall of water rushing through the town, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
“The water just came rushing in,” said resident Anne Gachie, her voice trembling. “It took everything – my house, the cars, even the train tracks.” Gachie tragically lost her two daughters in the floodwaters.
The flooding in Mai Mahiu is just one chapter in a larger national tragedy. Since March 2024, heavy rains have caused flooding across Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 169 people and displacing over 190,000 from their homes. The capital city, Nairobi, has been particularly hard-hit with 147,000 residents forced to flee their homes.
President Ruto Calls for Evacuations in High-Risk Areas
Kenyan President William Ruto visited Mai Mahiu to assess the damage and offer condolences to survivors. He urged residents living in areas prone to landslides to evacuate immediately, highlighting the ongoing risk of further casualties. President Ruto also announced the deployment of the military to assist in search and rescue efforts.
The recent flooding in Kenya isn’t happening in isolation. Heavy rains and flooding have also caused widespread devastation in neighboring Tanzania and Burundi. Scientists warn that climate change is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, with devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.
Hope for Survivors Amidst the Devastation
Despite the grim situation, hope flickers as rescue efforts continue. In Garissa County, located in eastern Kenya, 23 people were rescued from floodwaters after their boat capsized. However, search teams are still searching for 16 people reported missing in the area.
The Kenyan government is facing a monumental task in the wake of these floods. Providing immediate relief to displaced families while also addressing the long-term challenges posed by climate change will require significant resources and international cooperation.
Source: ReutersÂ
