Mai Mahiu Killer Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises to 71

The government has confirmed 71 fatalities from the flash floods in the Mai Mahiu region on Monday, as per Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

Speaking via phone on a local FM station, the DP mentioned additional individuals who are unaccounted for following the incident, as search and rescue efforts extend into the second day.

He mentions that the government plans to deploy Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, wherever feasible, to aid other agencies in the search operation.

"We have 46 people in the mortuary, but we have more bodies being taken there so they will be about 71. There are many others who are still missing, and a search is ongoing. We pray that we find them alive. If they are dead then we will say God is never questioned," Gachagua stated.

These events coincide with President William Ruto calling for a special cabinet session at State House to tackle the country's flood crisis, which has already resulted in over 160 fatalities. 

The flash floods occurred on Monday when a water body in Kijabe overflowed, inundating homes in Mai Mahiu. While Kenya has experienced other flood-related fatalities, the Mai Mahiu disaster has been the deadliest. 

The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has disclosed the cause of the devastating flash flood in Mai Mahiu, which has tragically claimed 71 lives and caused numerous injuries. The sudden deluge swept away multiple homes during the early hours of Monday morning, triggering urgent emergency responses from both national and county governments. Teams from these authorities have been stationed at the scene for the past 24 hours, providing assistance and support to affected individuals.

Water Cabinet Secretary (CS) Zechariah Njeru, in a statement to news outlets, explained that the incident was caused by a blocked railway line tunnel, which impeded the natural flow of water through River Tongi.

"The channel got blocked due to debris, stones, trees and soil that brought about by the heavy downpour in the area thereby preventing water flowing through the river Tongi course and its small tributaries to move downstream," Njeru said. 

He further explained that the river and its tributaries, under intense pressure, breached their banks, causing the railway line to be swept away and resulting in the rapid downstream flow that led to the observed destruction.

A random picture found on Google to show the size of this tunnel. It was blown away by the pressure build up of the lake that grew.

An aftermath picture of the canyon left there now.

Njeru also clarified that contrary to some reports, the area does not have a dam apart from Matches Dam, which is situated upstream and far from the affected area.

Several leaders have since visited the area including President William Ruto who on Tuesday evening visited the affected families and pledged the government's support. 

In recent days, many parts of the country have been inundated with heavy rains, resulting in widespread flooding, numerous fatalities, injuries, and displacement of residents. By Monday evening, government statistics indicated that 166 people had perished due to flooding since the onset of heavy rains in most parts of Kenya in March.

Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to adhere to precautionary measures for their safety.

The Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts that the heavy rainfall, along with floods and mudslides, will persist until May.

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