In Mai Mahiu, Kenya, rescue efforts intensified as the toll from heavy flooding and landslides continued to climb. Using shovels, responders worked to uncover victims buried in mud, with the number of missing individuals steadily rising. Following a mudslide and flash floods that struck early Monday, at least 48 fatalities were reported, with 84 others still unaccounted for, according to the Kenya Red Cross.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of water surging through their homes, sweeping away structures, vehicles, and even railway tracks. Anne Gachie described how her family narrowly escaped the deluge, while Tabitha Wanja mourned the loss of eight family members, including her infant niece.
The tragedy in Mai Mahiu is part of a broader crisis across Kenya, where heavy rains have claimed the lives of at least 169 people and displaced over 190,000 since last month. The president’s office warned of further rainfall, particularly in landslide-prone areas, urging citizens to evacuate for their safety.
President William Ruto, visiting flood survivors in Mai Mahiu, emphasized the imminent danger and pledged military assistance in the search for victims. Beyond Kenya, neighboring countries like Tanzania and Burundi have also suffered casualties and displacement due to relentless downpours, with climate scientists attributing such extreme weather events to climate change.
In Garissa County, eastern Kenya, 16 individuals were reported missing following a fatal boat accident and ongoing rescue operations. These disasters echo previous flooding incidents, such as those triggered by the El Niño phenomenon last year, exacerbating the region’s vulnerability after enduring severe droughts.