In Kenya, more than 40 individuals have died after a dam broke due to heavy rains and flooding, according to officials.
The dam burst in Kamuchiri village in western Kenya swept away homes and severed roads. “Forty-two dead, it’s a conservative estimate. There are still more in the mud,” Nakuru county governor Susan Kihika told AFP news agency.
In the past month, floods have claimed the lives of over 100 people across different parts of Kenya.
Rescue operations are ongoing as teams search for survivors in the mud in a village near the town of Mai Mahiu, approximately 60km (37 miles) from Nairobi. According to police commander Stephen Kirui, cited by Reuters news agency, of the 42 bodies found, 17 were children.
“The water came at high speed from Old Kijabe Dam and washed away many houses and vehicles. We have never seen such devastating floods since we were born here in Mai Mahiu. Very many people are still missing,” resident David Kamau tod the BBC.
With more rains predicted, the Kenyan government has postponed the reopening of schools across the country.
The floods have displaced over 130,000 people, many of whom have found refuge in schools.
Neighboring countries, Tanzania and Burundi, have also experienced severe rainfall.
Tanzania has reported at least 155 deaths due to the heavy rains since January, while in Burundi, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced.