Several households in Endau-Malalani Ward, Kitui East Constituency, have been left homeless after the Ilumukuyu Dam burst its banks, sweeping away homes and belongings. Residents are now grappling with the aftermath as they spend the night in makeshift shelters under cold conditions.
According to Evans Peter of the Kenya Red Cross, Kitui Branch, the incident fortunately resulted in no fatalities or injuries. However, affected families are in urgent need of shelter and basic necessities as recovery efforts begin.
In a separate incident in Kitui Rural Constituency, a woman was swept away by the swollen River Mwiwe as she attempted to cross it. Rescue teams are actively searching for her remains, with hopes of closure for her family.
These events come amid widespread heavy rains across Kenya, which have led to flash floods in various regions. The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of more rainfall in the coming weeks, particularly in low-lying areas, due to the ongoing El Niño weather pattern and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. Residents near rivers and flood-prone zones have been urged to relocate to safer grounds to prevent further loss of life and property.
In Nuu, Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County, a 53-year-old man has tragically lost his life after slipping and falling into his dam while inspecting water levels following a night of heavy rains today.
The incident occurred as the region continues to experience significant rainfall, raising concerns over water safety and dam management. Authorities confirmed that the man’s body was retrieved from the dam and transported to a local mortuary.
This unfortunate event underscores the dangers posed by the ongoing rains, with residents advised to exercise caution, particularly near water bodies.
Nationally, the rains have caused significant damage, with thousands of households displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and fatalities reported in various counties, including Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. Efforts by humanitarian agencies and local authorities are ongoing to provide relief to the affected communities.
