44 dead in Patel Dam tragedy as 40 remain unaccounted for

The death toll in the Patel Dam tragedy in Solai, Nakuru County has climbed to 44 after more bodies were retrieved on Thursday evening.

40 people remain unaccounted for as the search and rescue mission continues amidst heavy rains pounding the area.

Following the Wednesday 7pm incident that occurred after the dam burst its banks, over 5,000 families have been left displaced.

Education PS Belio Kipsang has also announced that Solai Boys High School, that was extensively damaged during the incident, will remain closed indefinitely.

A statement sent to newsrooms on Thursday said:

“The bursting of the dam has caused death and massive displacements of residents in the adjacent villages. The school will remain closed until the safety of the students is restored.”

The PS had visited the school on Thursday morning to assess the damage.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet are also at the scene.

State House also released a statement on Twitter terming the Patel Dam tragedy as saddening.

Residents of the nearby Marigu, Ruiru and Akuisi farms have been forced to flee for safety.

Nakuru becomes one of the counties worst affected by floods raising the national death toll to over 100. The number of families displaced is now more than 50,000.

The incident occurred at around 7pm on Wednesday night causing extensive damage to homes, schools and businesses.

An emergency response team from the Kenya Power and Electricity Company (KPLC) had to be called in to disconnect wires after several poles fell into the water.

The search and rescue operation includes officers from the police was set up, the National Youth Service (NYS) as well as members of the public.

In a statement to newsrooms, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said 15 ambulances were dispatched to the scene to evacuate victims.

A disaster management team from the Nakuru County Government also evacuated survivors to the Bahati Sub County and Nakuru Level Five hospitals.

The Governor also said a command centre at the office of Solai Assistant County Commissioner would help to account for those still missing.

Nakuru East Deputy County Commissioner Omar Salat assured the victims that the government would help them find temporary shelter and provide relief food.

He said that the national government will work closely with the county government in order to ensure food, medical care and beddings are supplied to the victims.

Patel Dam is one of the seven in the area that is used for flower farming.