Kenya – Dozens Killed After Dam Break in Nakuru County

The flood situation continues in Kenya, with more deaths reported after a dam broke its banks killing at least 38 people.

The Patel Dam in Solai, Subukia Sub-County, Nakuru County, broke its banks at around 21:00 on Wednesday 09 May, 2018.

In a statement made soon after the dam break Governor Lee Kinyanjui said, “The water has caused huge destruction of both life and property. The extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained. The County Government of Nakuru, Kenya Red Cross and the local leadership are coordinating rescue operations….We assure residents that we are doing our best to evacuate affected families to safety and assist victims get medical attention.”

Local media reported that at least 300 homes have been affected and Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) said 39 people were taken to hospital.

Lee Kinyanjui said that search and rescue operation will continue as there may be more survivors. County officials have set up a centre near the scene for families to report missing members.

“We advise residents to be vigilant as heavy rains have been pounding Nakuru and its environs causing flooding,” he added.

270,000 Affected by Floods With More Rain Forecast

Flooding has affected the country since March this year. Media reports suggest that the death toll has now exceeded 150 people.

In the latest figures from KRCS, more than 50,680 households (an estimated 271,000 people) have been displaced by floods across the country.

Damage assessments and distribution of relief supplies has been hindered as some areas remain inaccessible due to damage to roads or roads rendered impassable by floods, including in Tana River, Mandera, Wajir, Kilifi and Isiolo counties.

In the last few days the overflowing Tana River has caused major transport problems in the south east of the country. Kenya Police say that the river broke its banks Kibusu, blocking an important route between Malindi and Lamu.

The number of people displaced is expected to increase to 280,000 by 14 May, as the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more heavy rain is expected.

Social Media

Visited two villages in Solai, Subukia that were swept away after a dam burst its bank.
We will donate foodstuff & other items to displaced families.
We have set up a centre near the scene for families to report missing members to enable us reunite them #SolaiDamTragedy pic.twitter.com/NqPTfUQZsV

— Governor Lee Kinyanjui (@GovLeeKinyanjui) May 9, 2018

#SolaiDamTragedy update: Ambulances from Nakuru County at the scene. Victims are being taken to hospital. Search and rescue mission by Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross teams ongoing. PHOTOS: NGPU pic.twitter.com/YmpORWUz7w

— Governor Lee Kinyanjui (@GovLeeKinyanjui) May 9, 2018

39 people taken to hospital last night after Patel Dam in Subukia, Nakuru County, broke its banks affecting nearby villages. Search and rescue efforts by County Government, Kenya #RedCross Society and @Ems_Kenya ongoing.

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) May 10, 2018

SOLAI Patel dam collapses… Kills, destroys farms and homes leaving thousands displaced and vulnerable #HeavensWrath @Ma3Route pic.twitter.com/6u53KiPNge

— Eric Njoka (@eriknjoka) May 10, 2018

#Solai @FredMatiangi arrive in Solai,Nakuru County at the scene where Patel Dam burst it bank. pic.twitter.com/JnK0HGdpt2

— Macharia Wangui Prince_Official (@macharia_md) May 10, 2018

In photos: National Police Service Chopper offering assistance to people traveling from Lamu to Malindi earlier today, after the ongoing floods rendered the Lamu – Malindi Road impassable pic.twitter.com/bKdyxH0pbf

— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) May 9, 2018

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