Flash floods and a landslide wreaked havoc in Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 45 individuals and leaving many others unaccounted for, according to the Interior Ministry.

Initially attributed to the collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam in the Mai Mahiu area, authorities later clarified that a blocked railway tunnel was responsible for the sudden surge of water, mud, and debris.

The disaster engulfed homes, submerged roads, and caused significant damage to property.

Emergency services scrambled to rescue survivors and attend to the injured, with 109 people hospitalized and 49 reported missing, as per the Kenya Red Cross.

This catastrophe adds to the toll of ongoing floods in Kenya, which have claimed 169 lives since mid-March. With forecasts predicting more rainfall, the government has ordered the inspection of all dams and reservoirs to prevent further tragedies, Fox News reported.

The situation has also affected neighboring countries, with Tanzania reporting 155 deaths and Burundi grappling with over 200,000 affected individuals.

Amidst the crisis, efforts to assist those affected, including providing temporary shelter and rescue operations, are underway, demonstrating the urgent need for coordinated response and support.

Written by B.C. Begley