KeNHA Closes 2 Sections Of Major Highway After Dam Ruptures, Floods Village

KeNHA revealed that heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe have led water courses to experience an upsurge

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Apr 29, 2024 - 12:01 Updated: Apr 29, 2024 - 12:04
0
KeNHA Closes 2 Sections Of Major Highway After Dam Ruptures, Floods Village
Traffic snarl up along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on April 29, 2024. /KENHA

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of two sections of the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, hours after a dam broke its walls and caused a tragedy at Kianduma Bridge which led to flash floods in Kamuchiri Village in Nakuru County

In a statement, KeNHA revealed that heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe have led water courses to experience an upsurge which has led to the washing away of debris and several houses. 

The authority thus informed the public that the following road sections are now impassable:

Flash floods affect Kamuchiri Village on April 29, 2024. /KENYA RED CROSS
  1. Approximately 700m from Mai Mahiu towards Naivasha.
  2. Approximately 1km from Mai Mahiu towards Suswa/Narok.

"These areas are heavily affected, with road blockages reported. Currently, traffic is at a standstill around Mai Mahiu centre. The Authority is mobilizing efforts to clear the road and assess damages," KeNHA stated in part.

Motorists have been advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu.

Additionally, road users are expected to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when travelling through the affected areas.

The flash floods ground traffic on the major highway to a halt at Mai Mahiu where vehicles spent the night in traffic jams.

The matter was made worse by the tragedy caused by the dam breaking its banks which caused flooding at Kianduma Bridge. 

Preliminary reports estimate that northwards of 20 people have been killed by the flash floods.

"Several people have been taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to flash floods affecting Kamuchiri Village," stated the Kenya Red Cross in part.

The floodwaters are reported to have originated from a nearby river that broke its banks.

The Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross and community members were deployed to the scene on Monday morning.

Flash floods affect Kamuchiri Village on April 29, 2024. /KENYA RED CROSS

Tags: