By Peter Ochieng
The flooding situation caused by heavy rains in most parts of the country is seemingly getting out of hand.
Towards the end of last week, Deputy President (DP) Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua confirmed that 70 people had lost the battle in flood instigated deaths across the country.
On Monday morning, at least 40 people were confirmed dead following flash floods in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru Country.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRC), the floods hit residents of Kamuchiri village hard, leaving a trail of deaths and destruction, with several other people hospitalized, after the Dark Tunnel Valley dam located on Kijabe Hills burst its banks.
Water from the river destroyed houses, and felled trees ultimately blocking some roads in the area.
“Several people have been taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to flash floods affecting Kamuchiri Village. The flood waters are reported to have originated from a nearby river that broke its banks,” the humanitarian agency initially said in a statement.
“We have recovered 42 bodies and many people are missing. It is a disaster,” said Naivasha Police Commander Stephen Kirui. He said of the 42, 17 are children.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) says it is mobilizing efforts to clear the closed roads, besides assessing damages.
“Motorists are advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu. Road users are expected to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when traveling through the affected areas,” stated KENHA.
Sections of the Mai Mahiu-Suswa-Narok and the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha road have been closed.
The latest deaths now mean the death toll from floods, since the onset of the March, April May rains is way past the 100 mark.
In his address during the ongoing International Development Association (IDA21) summit in Nairobi, World Bank President, Ajay Banga, did send his condolences to families of Kenyans who have died as a result of the floods.
He reaffirmed the Word Bank’s support for Kenyans affected by floods. “Kenya is suffering from devastating floods and I extend my condolences to all those affected. And you know the World Bank will be there to support you throughout this period,” he said.
Over 10 African Heads of States and governments are attending the summit.