A dam collapses in western Kenya killing at least 40 people.

 

NEWSLINE PAPER,- Police said a wall of water slammed through homes and blocked off a main road when a dam in western Kenya collapsed early on Monday, killing at least 40 people.

Police officer Stephen Kirui told The Associated Press that the Old Kijabe Dam, which is situated in the flash flood-prone Mai Mahiu portion of the Great Rift Valley region, collapsed and water leaked downstream.

Kenyan floods brought on by persistent rains has already claimed around 100 lives and delayed the start of classes. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of further heavy rains, which have been battering the nation since mid-March.

The intense rains in East Africa are causing flooding; in Tanzania, 155 people have reportedly lost their lives, and in Burundi, a neighbour, over 200,000 people are impacted.

Some planes were diverted on Saturday due to flooding at Kenya's main airport, as evidenced by internet videos of a flooded runway, terminals, and cargo area.

The floods in Kenya have impacted over 200,000 people, with homes in flood-prone areas submerged and people taking sanctuary in schools.

President William Ruto had given the National Youth Service instructions to set aside space for the impacted people to utilise as a makeshift camp.

(Newsline Paper Teams)

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