Heavy flash floods in Kamuchiri Village, Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 20 lives and the destruction of numerous homes. The calamity, triggered by intense rainfall, saw floodwaters breach the banks of a nearby river on Sunday night, as reported by the Kenya Red Cross.
Rescue efforts, led by Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui, are currently underway, with several individuals already rushed to Naivasha Hospital for urgent medical attention. However, there are fears that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue in the affected area.
Compounding the devastation, the flooding has severed the main road connecting Nairobi to Mai Mahiu, as it became littered with debris such as rocks, mud, and logs.
The resultant road blockage left many motorists stranded for prolonged periods, prompting urgent appeals from authorities for drivers to steer clear of the affected route. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by heavy rains across various parts of the country, prompting calls for heightened vigilance.
A coordinated response involving teams from the Kenya Police, the County Disaster Management team, the Kenya Red Cross, and local community members has been mobilized to address the crisis, according to official sources.
Meanwhile, the government’s decision to postpone the scheduled reopening of schools to Monday, May 6, 2024, has stirred controversy among parents who had already sent their children back to school.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu justified the delay, citing reports indicating that several schools have been severely impacted by the flooding, posing significant risks to the safety of students and staff.
Machogu emphasized the need for comprehensive safety measures before resuming classes, emphasizing that risking the lives of learners and educators would be imprudent. Consequently, the Ministry of Education has opted to delay the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, prioritizing the safety of school communities.
Assuring ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, Machogu pledged to implement measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the rains on the education sector.
Regular updates on developments pertaining to educational activities are also promised to ensure transparency and effective communication.
