Governor Kinyanjui says water being discharged from another Patel dam
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Regional Commissioner Mwongo Chimwanga today held a press briefing on the Solai dam tragedy.
The Governor said a team of experts from the National and County Government Water departments have started discharging water from a dam at Patel’s farm in Solai.
“We urge residents not to panic as this is being done in a way that will not endanger lives,” he said.
He said the experts made the decision to discharge the water after assessing the dam and noted that the water flowing in was more than that getting out.
Mr. Mwongo said local leaders are moving around to update locals on the operation to avoid panic and apprehension.
He said the death toll has risen to 45 after a body of a boy was found mid-morning.
The number of personnel involved in the search has been increased and extended to a valley where the water settled.
He added that a multi-agency team is working to complete the search as soon as possible despite the heat rains that continue to pound the area.
“115 households have reported 40 family members missing. We have taken some families to identify their loved ones and so far, 22 out of 40 bodies have been identified,” he said.
The Governor said donations are being made to assist the victims and a paybill number has been set up to help the affected families. Donations can be sent to paybill number 10000, account name is Solai.