More than 150 people have been killed and thousands displaced in Kenya due to heavy rainfall and flooding that has hit the East African nation since March. The latest tragedy occurred on April 29, when a dam burst in Mai Mahiu area, about 60 kilometers north of the capital Nairobi, causing at least 75 deaths and leaving dozens missing. Another dam collapse in western Kenya killed at least 40 people earlier that day.
The floods have affected various parts of the country, including Garissa in the east and Kisumu in the west. The Kenyan Red Cross reported that more than 200,000 people have been hit by the floods and are seeking refuge in schools and other temporary shelters.
The heavy rains have also caused landslides, destroyed roads, bridges, and homes. The government has ordered inspections of all public and private dams and water reservoirs within 24 hours to assess their safety.
The flooding is part of a broader deluge that has devastated segments of East Africa. At least 155 people have reportedly died in Tanzania, and more than 200,000 people have been affected in neighboring Burundi.
The heavy rains are attributed to El Niño weather conditions and the Indian Ocean Dipole. Scientists warn that global warming is causing more intense and frequent extreme weather events.
The Kenyan government has urged caution as more rainfall is expected in the coming days. The Ministry of Education has delayed the start of a new school term by a week to ensure adequate safety measures are in place for learners and staff.
