This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68896456

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Kenya dam bursts: More than 40 killed in villages near Mai Mahiu town Kenya dam bursts: More than 40 killed in villages near Mai Mahiu town
(32 minutes later)
The government last week ordered the military to help with rescue operationsThe government last week ordered the military to help with rescue operations
More than 40 people have died in Kenya after a dam burst following heavy rains and flooding, officials have said.More than 40 people have died in Kenya after a dam burst following heavy rains and flooding, officials have said.
People in villages near Mai Mahiu, about 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Nairobi, were swept away as they slept.People in villages near Mai Mahiu, about 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Nairobi, were swept away as they slept.
"Forty-two dead, it's a conservative estimate. There are still more in the mud," Nakuru county governor Susan Kihika told AFP news agency."Forty-two dead, it's a conservative estimate. There are still more in the mud," Nakuru county governor Susan Kihika told AFP news agency.
More than 100 people have been killed in floods that have devastated parts of Kenya in the last month.More than 100 people have been killed in floods that have devastated parts of Kenya in the last month.
Rescue teams are digging through the mud in search of survivors in several villages, including Kamuchiri and Kianugu in Nakuru county.Rescue teams are digging through the mud in search of survivors in several villages, including Kamuchiri and Kianugu in Nakuru county.
Of the 42 bodies recovered so far, 17 were of children, police commander Stephen Kirui said, cited by Reuters news agency.Of the 42 bodies recovered so far, 17 were of children, police commander Stephen Kirui said, cited by Reuters news agency.
Africa Live: More updates on this and other storiesAfrica Live: More updates on this and other stories
"The water came at high speed from Old Kijabe Dam and washed away many houses and vehicles. We have never seen such devastating floods since we were born here in Mai Mahiu," David Kamau tod the BBC."The water came at high speed from Old Kijabe Dam and washed away many houses and vehicles. We have never seen such devastating floods since we were born here in Mai Mahiu," David Kamau tod the BBC.
Another resident, Peter Muhoho, said that most of his neighbours were swept away in Kianugu, a village with about 18 homes.Another resident, Peter Muhoho, said that most of his neighbours were swept away in Kianugu, a village with about 18 homes.
"I was asleep when I heard a loud bang and screams. Water had flooded the area. We started rescuing people," Mr Muhoho told the BBC."I was asleep when I heard a loud bang and screams. Water had flooded the area. We started rescuing people," Mr Muhoho told the BBC.
Pointing to a bag he was holding, Mr Muhoho added: "This bag belongs to a chid I knew. He was washed away. I found it [the bag] downstream."Pointing to a bag he was holding, Mr Muhoho added: "This bag belongs to a chid I knew. He was washed away. I found it [the bag] downstream."
Peter Muhoho was lucky to survivePeter Muhoho was lucky to survive
The government has delayed the opening of schools across Kenya with more rain expected to come, according to forecasters.The government has delayed the opening of schools across Kenya with more rain expected to come, according to forecasters.
More than 130,000 people have been displaced by the floods, with many people taking shelter in schools.More than 130,000 people have been displaced by the floods, with many people taking shelter in schools.
Heavy rains have also pounded neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi.Heavy rains have also pounded neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi.
At least 155 people have been killed in Tanzania since January.At least 155 people have been killed in Tanzania since January.
In Burundi, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced.In Burundi, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced.
The number of casualties is unclear, but a UN-linked website reports that 68 people were killed in the capital, Bujumbura, on 10 February alone after heavy rains destroyed some 3,500 homes.The number of casualties is unclear, but a UN-linked website reports that 68 people were killed in the capital, Bujumbura, on 10 February alone after heavy rains destroyed some 3,500 homes.
BBC Weather's Chris Fawkes says that one of the biggest drivers of the rains is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
The IOD - often called the "Indian Niño" because of its similarity to its Pacific equivalent - refers to the difference in sea-surface temperatures in opposite parts of the Indian Ocean.
During a positive phase, the waters in the western Indian Ocean are much warmer than normal and this can bring heavier rain regardless of El Niño.
However, when both a positive IOD and an El Niño occur at the same time, as was the case last year, the rains in East Africa can become extreme.
One of the strongest positive IOD patterns on record coincided with one of the strongest El Niño patterns in 1997 and 1998, with severe flooding reported. These caused more than 6,000 deaths in five countries in the region.
More about the floods in East Africa:More about the floods in East Africa:
Floods wreak havoc in Kenya, Tanzania and BurundiFloods wreak havoc in Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi
Floods wreak havoc in Kenya, Tanzania and BurundiFloods wreak havoc in Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi
Four ways climate change affects extreme weatherFour ways climate change affects extreme weather
Floods cause widespread devastation in KenyaFloods cause widespread devastation in Kenya
Dramatic rescue after bus swept away in Kenyan floodsDramatic rescue after bus swept away in Kenyan floods
Related TopicsRelated Topics
KenyaKenya
East Africa floodsEast Africa floods