The ongoing rainfall continues to wreak havoc and disruption across various regions of the country, from the central to the western and eastern regions. The latest tragedy unfolded in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha, where this morning brought a sorrowful revelation.
News emerged of landslides and floods that swept away residents of Kamuchiri village in Mai Mahiu after a blocked tunnel under the old railway lines created a lake that eventually broke after days of build-up. This is pointed out by the videos in X from a Cyprian Nyakundi account and you can see the aftermath in the videos.
The incident was not caused by a dam burst but rather by the blockage of the railway tunnel, leading to the buildup of water that eventually broke through. The floodwaters are said to have originated from a nearby river that overflowed its banks.
The extent of the damage is catastrophic, with reports indicating that 42 bodies have been recovered so far, amongst them 17 children. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Mai Mahiu, with both police and civilians tirelessly searching for more victims since morning.
Additionally, over a hundred individuals have been hospitalized in nearby health facilities for treatment. The situation has sparked panic in the region, leading to the closure of Mai Mahiu Road, a major route connecting Nairobi and Narok.
Reports suggest that the dam breached its banks shortly after midnight, catching residents unaware in their sleep, and resulting in widespread destruction. A survivor recounted hearing a deafening roar of water before chaos ensued as the deluge swept through the village, carrying away everything in its path.
Nakuru County Police Commander, Samuel Ndanyi, has confirmed the dire situation on the ground, warning of potential further losses and casualties. He cautions that the death toll from the Mai Mahiu tragedy could exceed 50, as many individuals remain unaccounted for despite ongoing search efforts.
The scenes from the affected area are deeply distressing, with images emerging of retrieved bodies and vehicles submerged in mud. Local residents, along with the Kenya Red Cross, County Disaster Team, and community members, are tirelessly engaged in the rescue operation, combing through mud, thickets, and debris in search of trapped individuals
