Search for missing Mai Mahiu flood victims continue as death toll hits 60
The death toll from the Mai Mahiu floods rose to 60 Sunday, search teams said.
This is after two more bodies of a man and a juvenile were recovered.
Dozens more are missing and the search is ongoing.
The victims include 11 male adults, 16 female adults, 17 male juveniles, 15 female juveniles and a human skull that is yet to be identified.
An autopsy is yet to be conducted on seven bodies even as the search is ongoing
Multi-agency teams are camping in the area in search of about 50 people who are missing after floods swept their villages.
At least 230 people have so far lost their lives due to the ongoing heavy rains and resultant floods across the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said Sunday, May 5 that floods left 164 others injured and 72 were missing.
“A total of 41,526 households have been displaced affecting approximately 212,630 people. 138 camps have been set up across 138 Counties hosting 62,061 people. Approximately 227,238 people have been impacted by the heavy rains.”
Additionally, Kindiki says a total of 1,967 schools have been affected by the floods.
The government says multi-agency teams drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Youth Service and Humanitarian agencies had already hit the ground running to coordinate rescue efforts and provide essential help to the displaced people.
The new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri visited the Mai Mahiu flood victims on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Officials said Gen Kahariri was at the place to assess the recovery process following a flooding menace that led to the loss of lives, displacement of people, and destruction of infrastructure.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was also at the site.
Kenya Defence Forces and other agencies, including line ministries, departments, and agencies, were deployed to Mai Mahiu to enhance the search and recovery mission.
Gen Kahariri said KDF’s role is also to sensitize the public in areas that are prone to more flooding and urge them to move to safer places.
“KDF has deployed varied capabilities and is working with the multi-agency teams to support the affected families, including those who have lost their loved ones,” Gen Kahariri said.
“When we come together, we get to serve the nation better. Most importantly, is to closely monitor the situation to determine who is in greater danger and sensitize the people in prone areas to move to safer grounds.”
Gen Kahariri visited the victims who were hosted at Ngeya Girls Secondary School before he moved to Georges and Magathi Bridges.
He further witnessed ongoing preparations at the new rescue centre, planned to host the displaced families.
The CDF said that the deployment is in line with the secondary role of the KDF, of assisting and cooperating with other government agencies, especially during emergencies and disasters to safeguard the lives of Kenyans.
“KDF has deployed varied capabilities and is working with the multi-agency teams to support the affected families, including those who have lost their loved ones,” said Gen Kahariri.
The Nakuru Governor appreciated the support by KDF, saying it has greatly enhanced the search and recovery efforts, resulting in more bodies being retrieved from debris by the multi-agency teams.
The Mai Mahiu tragedy occurred on April 29 2024.
A tunnel situated on the hilly area of old Kijabe Road in Kiambu County accumulated water due to blockage along the Meter Gauge Railway and the increased water burst the soaked walls, sweeping households.
President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua visited the area separately to condole the victims.
The met department has warned the rains will continue to be experienced in the country.