Over 32 people have been killed after walls of a dam in the western part of the country collapsed on Wednesday.
Homes were overrun by the rushing water from the Patel Dam in the town of Solai leading to the death of many residents in the Nakuru County.
Just arrived in Solai, Nakuru County to check the status of the ongoing multi-agency search and rescue operation following the Patel Dam disaster. The National Government is working closely with the County Government on this; and is at hand to assist the families affected. pic.twitter.com/8NEnWei7jZ
— CS Fred Matiangi (@FredMatiangi) May 10, 2018
Local media reported that at least 20 bodies were recovered after the incident with rescue teams still searching for those missing.
There are reports of many people still missing and a possibility that the death toll could increase.
300 families have been displaced by the disaster with over 2000 residents affected. Some of them told local media, Daily Nation that they heard an “explosion” before water gushed out.
The dam is one of the three water reservoirs owned by a large-scale irrigation farmer, in the area.
An area representative Peter Mbae told the Daily Nation “We assure residents that the rescue teams are doing their best to evacuate affected families to safety and assist victims get medical attention.”
Governor of the county in a statement said the extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained. “The county has dispatched ambulances to the scene to aid in evacuation of victims,” he said.
Source: Africafeeds.com
