Police have said that at least 42 people have died in central Kenya after a dam burst, bringing the death toll in heavy rains and flooding since last month over 140. Dozens more have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced by intense downpours in other East African countries.

Mai Mahiu

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

A devastating dam burst in central Kenya's Maimahiu area has resulted in at least 42 fatalities, according to police reports. The incident is part of a larger crisis related to heavy rains and flooding across the region, which has seen the death toll rise to over 140 since last month. The floods have not only affected Kenya but have also taken a toll on neighboring East African countries, where additional lives have been lost, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

In response to the emergency, the Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved, taking several individuals to a health facility in Maimahiu due to flash flooding. Government statistics reveal that over 185,000 people have been displaced as a result of the ongoing rains and flooding. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has suffered extensive damage, exacerbating the crisis. A significant concern raised by a government spokesperson revolves around hydroelectric dams reaching capacity, posing a risk of massive overflow downstream.

In light of the situation, the Education Ministry has taken the step of postponing the start of a new school term by a week to manage the impacts of the flooding. The region is no stranger to such catastrophes, having experienced record floods during the last rainy season in late 2023. Experts attribute the increase in intensity and frequency of these extreme weather events to climate change, underlining the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of this growing threat.



Floods kill dozens in Kenya after dam bursts

At least 42 people have been killed in floods in Kenya's central Maimahiu area, after a dam burst early on Monday. That's according to police, who said the death toll could rise. Earlier on Monday, the Kenya Red Cross said it had taken several people to a health facility in Maimahiu, due to flash flooding. The latest deaths bring the total number to have died amid heavy rains and flooding since last month to more than 140. Government figures show that more than 185,000 have been displaced. Dozens more have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced by intense downpours in other East African countries, including Tanzania and Burundi. The floods have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges. A Kenyan government spokesperson said hydroelectric dams were filled to capacity, which could lead to a massive overflow downstream. On Monday, the Education Ministry postponed the start of a new school term by a week. East Africa was also hit by record floods during the last rainy season in late 2023. Scientists say climate change is causing more intense and frequent extreme weather events.

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Climate Crisis