The peaceful slumber of the Mai Mahiu region of Kenya was brutally interrupted by a sudden burst of water. On a nearby mountain, an underpass had jammed up with sticks and debris carried by rushing water, creating a dam. The pressure grew as it continued to rain. At three o’clock in the morning on April 29, the water burst through the underpass, obliterated a railroad crossing, and plunged down the mountainside. The deluge ripped through low-lying villages, sweeping people, animals, vehicles, and houses along with it.

In the village of Ruriu, more than 100 homes were wiped out in a matter of minutes. More than 100 people were injured. An estimated 50 people lost their lives, and the search for loved ones continued for days after the flood; many people still haven’t been found.

This house (pictured above) miraculously survived the deluge while the house right behind it was completely washed away! An elderly lady was trapped in the second story as the floodwaters rose. The water reached the second story windows before receding. CAM staff were able to help clean out the mud and debris that had accumulated on the main floor.

Kenya has been experiencing an unusually wet rainy season. High rivers filled and then overflowed Lake Victoria. Hundreds of houses in the Homa Bay and Nduru areas have been submerged in water. As a result, many people are displaced. When available, women and children sleep in tents, and men sleep outside.

Our staff have been visiting those affected by the flooding and helping them by providing blankets, cooking oil, food, and literature. Larger distributions are being planned in the most needy areas. We appreciate your prayers as we discern how to help in this situation.

Excavators dig through mud and debris looking for bodies.

If you wish to help with the Flooding in Kenya project, click the donate button below.

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