Rescuers were searching for at least 91 people missing in heavy flooding across Kenya, the interior ministry said. At least 46 people were killed in a mudslide and flash floods in Mai Mahiu town in central Kenya, the ministry said in a situation report, an increase of one on the previous death toll.

Mai Mahiu

Kenya is currently grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding which has resulted in significant loss of life and numerous individuals missing. The Interior Ministry of Kenya has reported that rescuers are engaged in a critical search effort for at least 91 individuals who have been reported missing as a result of the heavy flooding affecting the nation. In a related tragedy, the ministry confirmed the death toll from a mudslide and flash floods in Mai Mahiu town, located in central Kenya, has risen to at least 46 individuals. This represents an increase by one from previously reported figures.

The catastrophic flooding event unfolded suddenly, catching the residents of Western Kenya off guard. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos and destruction that ensued as floods swept through the region. One local recounted waking in the early hours to a scene of devastation, participating in rescue efforts that involved transporting victims’ bodies, including those of children and adults. Survivors share poignant stories of loss and survival, amidst the chaos of the natural disaster. The situation in Nairobi, situated downriver, saw the Red Cross stepping in to rescue over 20 individuals trapped by the floodwaters.

Investigations into the cause of the flooding revealed that it was not due to a burst dam as initially suspected, but was attributed to a blocked river tunnel under a railway embankment. This blockage led to the devastating overflow and subsequent flooding. In response to the crisis, Kenya's President has announced an impending cabinet meeting to discuss additional measures to support the victims of these floods, recognizing the broader context of climate change impacts on the country. This recent flood adds to a series of flooding events that have plagued Kenya over the past month, cumulatively resulting in the deaths of over 100 people.



Kenya searches for dozens missing after floods

the aftermath of a night of terrifying flooding that caught people in this western region of Kenya unawares. In the early hours of Monday morning, residents were awoken to find the streets inundated. I woke at 3 a.m. to help rescue people. I have made five trips in the police van carrying bodies of victims. In the last trip, we took out the bodies of four children, two women and one man. Dozens of people were killed in the high waters, some carried away as they tried to flee. Survivors told of harrowing losses. My last born daughter, who was holding onto my back while we were in the water, was begging me not to leave her. I reassured her and asked her to hold onto the nearby floating debris. Unfortunately, she's gone now. In the capital Nairobi, downriver from the flood, the Red Cross rescued more than 20 people who were trapped by the waters. While police initially blamed the flooding on a burst dam, Kenya's Ministry of Water later said it was caused by a river tunnel under a railway embankment becoming blocked with debris. Kenya's president said the flood Tomorrow morning, we are having a cabinet meeting to be able to discuss on additional measures that my government is going to take to make sure that citizens who are victims of climate change, who today are suffering floods, they are suffering mass flights, are looked after. The flood is the latest of several that have hit Kenya. The flood is the latest of several that have hit Kenya over the past month, claiming the lives of over 100 people.

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