Deadly Dam Collapse in Western Kenya Amidst Ongoing Flooding Crisis

A dam collapse in western Kenya has resulted in at least 40 deaths after torrential water swept through houses and disrupted major roads, according to police. The Old Kijabe Dam, situated within the Mai Mahiu region of the Great Rift Valley area known for flash floods, collapsed due to ongoing heavy rainfall that began mid-March. This incident has added to Kenya’s existing flooding crisis which has already claimed nearly 100 lives and disrupted school schedules. In neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Burundi, the East African region is grappling with floodwaters due to heavy rainfall that has left over 250 people dead in total. The situation was further aggravated when Kenya’s main airport experienced flooding on Saturday which forced some flights to be diverted as videos of a submerged runway, terminals and cargo section went viral online. In all, more than 200,000 individuals across the country have been affected by these catastrophes in which families dwelling around watery domains relinquish their habitations and congregate inside educational centres looking for respite. Following instructions from President William Ruto to deploy the National Youth Service, a temporary camp is being readied for those adversely impacted.