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.

Tana River floods, Kenya, May 2018. Photo: Kenya Police
Map of affected areas. Credit: UNOCHA

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Flood Summary

Last updated: April 26, 2018
Event
Kenya, April 2018
Date
April 11, 2018
Type
Flash flood, River flood
Cause
Long-term rainfall

Locations

A - Tana River, Kenya
B - Kisumu
C - Samburu
D - Turkana

Magnitude

Rainfall level
125 mm in 24 hours
Garissa - April 16 to April 17, 2018
Rainfall level
59 mm in 24 hours
Kakamega - April 15 to April 16, 2018
Rainfall level
46 mm in 24 hours
Nairobi - April 14 to April 15, 2018
Rainfall level
Marsabit
151.8 - April 13 to April 14, 2018
Rainfall level
96.1 mm in 24 hours
Embu - April 13 to April 14, 2018
Rainfall level
75.1 mm in 24 hours
Kangema - April 13 to April 14, 2018
Rainfall level
64 mm in 24 hours
Kapsoya Eldoret - April 13 to April 14, 2018
Rainfall level
119.7 mm in 24 hours
Kitui - April 23 to April 24, 2018
Rainfall level
103.5 mm in 24 hours
Moi Air Base - April 23 to April 24, 2018

Damages

Evacuated
211,000
Kenya - April 9 to April 26, 2018
According to Kenya Red Cross figures
Fatalities
50 people
Kenya - April 9 to April 26, 2018
Estimated figure based on various local media reports

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