The death toll from the deadly Mai Mahiu Dam tragedy that burst its banks wiped out several homes in Kamuchiri Village Mai Mahiu, Nakuru county following heavy downpour has risen to 48 and 49 others have been reported missing that also saw the Mai Mahiu – Narok road closed temporarily after a severe crack caused by deluge emerged.
The reported death cases from today morning tragedy rose from 20 the bodies that had earlier been retrieved earlier today morning.
The floodwaters originated from a nearby river that broke its banks today at dawn according to Naivasha Member of Parliament (MP) Jane Kihara.
She further urged residents residing in flood-risk areas to relocate to higher ground.
“It’s something we have not seen. The road is gone, the one going to Narok has caved in also.” Kihara said.
Confirming the incident earlier on Monday morning, Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui noted that several survivors have been rushed to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
Reports indicate that over 100 people were rescued and treated at Mai Mahiu health center with 32 cases referred to Naivasha sub-county hospital.
Teams from the Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross and community members are at the scene.
On the other hand, while announcing the temporarily closure of the Mai Mahiu-Narok road, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) urged motorists to explore alternative routes as it was unsafe for motorists.
“The cause of the crack has not been established, though preliminary report attributes it to the ongoing rains. Further, the area has in the past been affected by similar earth movements.” A statement by KeNHA stated.
The authority stated that efforts are being made to repair the damaged portion of the road.
The road users were advised to use Narok-Kisiriri-Mau Summit -Njoro turn off(B18) Road to join Nakuru alternative routes and other destinations or Narok-Bomet-Kaplong(B6) Road and connect to Kaplong-Kericho(B7) Road as the alternative routes.
“Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe have led water courses to experience an upsurge which has led to the washing away of debris and several houses.” KeNHA mentioned earlier.
