Several Missing in Kenya’s Devastating Floods, Officials Say

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: At least 91 people are missing after heavy flooding ravaged several parts of Kenya, the country’s interior ministry said.

Early Monday, at least 46 people were killed in a mudslide and flash floods in Maai Mahiu town in central Kenya, the ministry stated in a situation report.

Locals said the flash floods was caused by water blowing through a clogged tunnel under a railway bridge.

So far, the ministry has confirmed that 71 people have died as a result of the incident with fears that the number may rise as rescue efforts continue.

The officials added that at least 169 Kenyans have died as a result of the floods currently ravaging the country since the beginning of the heavy rains, which has stranded and at times flattened several buildings across the country over the past two weeks. 

Government Spokesman Issac Mwaura said the floods have also led to the displacement of 190,942 Kenyans.

“Nairobi County is the worst hit with 147,000 fellow Kenyans being displaced and, therefore, it accounts for 77% of all the displacement in the country,” he said.

Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday, while visiting victims of the Maai Mahiu floods ordered the military to deploy personnel to help find missing people.

Flooding has also been reported in Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi which has led to the temporary closure of highways and railways.