Action taken on remaining Patel Dams after death toll rises to 48

dennis kibet

May 11, 2018 11:25 AM

Locals have fled the area to safer grounds fearing an overflow from the dams.

Action has been taken on the remaining six Patel dams following the Solai tragedy that has so far claimed 48 lives, with over 40 others hospitalised and 40 more reported missing.

Experts have started draining the other dams in Solai, to allow inspection of their stability and structural integrity.

The move comes after residents of Solai were sent into panic mode following rumours that a second dam at Mansukul Patel's farm had burst its banks.

The locals fled from the area to safer grounds fearing an overflow from one of the dams.

However in a statement, the Ministry of Interior dispelled the rumours of a second dam bursting its banks.

"The Solai Dam Incident Management Team would like to inform members of the public that information circulating on social media about another collapsed dam is NOT TRUE. Please note that Engineers are on site conducting controlled release of water. More information will be availed during a press briefing at 12:00 noon . Regional Commissioner Rift Valley.," read the statement.

It is estimated that over 2,000 people were rendered homeless within a three-kilometre radius following the tragedy.

Approximately 450 houses are also said to have been destroyed, stretching up to the expansive Nyakinyua farm, which borders the dam's water reservoir.

At the same time, the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji directed Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to launch an investigation into the tragedy and asked the police boss to forward a resultant investigation file in two weeks, in a bid to ensure those found culpable are brought to book.

dennis kibet