Kenya Floods Kill 42: Dam Breaks, Swamping Villages
Heavy rains in East African nation Kenya have caused a dam to break, killing at least 42 people, a local governor told AFP on Monday (April 29). The floods have inundated several villages.
Flooding from excessive rainfall
Flooding has been widespread across Kenya for several days due to excessive rainfall. On Monday, a dam broke near the town of Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, submerging many homes in floodwaters. A major road in the area was also washed away, cutting off access to the town.
Rescue workers are on the scene
Rescue workers are working to save people trapped in the mud. Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika said 42 people are feared dead. There are also concerns that many more may be trapped in the mud.
Red Cross action
Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross said it had recovered two bodies from a sunken boat in the flooded Tana River County in eastern Kenya. Twenty-three other people were rescued alive from the boat.
El Niño influence
At least 76 people have died in floods and heavy rains in Kenya since March. Officials believe the excessive rainfall is due to El Niño-like weather conditions.
In memory
In May 2018, more people died in floods and heavy rains in the same area.
