Heavy rains continue to pound different parts of the country, leaving in its wake massive destruction and loss of life with the latest being the Patel dam disaster that has so far claimed 49 lives.
Reports indicate that 40 others are still missing with rescue operations underway amidst concerns that some of the missing may be buried in the mud.
Families of the missing are clinging on slim hope that their loved ones could be found alive, more than 48 hours after the disaster.
Media reports indicate that cracks had appeared on the walls of the dam but nothing was done to salvage the situation, leading to the tragedy.
The dam had reportedly not been inspected in recent years as should be the case and it remains unclear as to whether its construction was approved by the relevant government authorities.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Mwongo Chimwanga confirmed that 22 bodies have so far been positively identified for collection at the Nakuru County Morgue.
Chimwanga confirmed that the death toll had “increased to 45 after one body was retrieved this morning”.
However, more bodies were recovered, with media reports putting the number at 49.
Plans are underway to have all the dams in the country assessed to establish their structural integrity so as to avert such incidents in future.
A total of 162 lives have so far been lost as heavy rains pound different parts of the country.
Floods and landslides have been reported in different parts of the country, leaving many casualties.