The aftermath of the devastating Mai Mahiu dam tragedy reveals a grim outlook as authorities anticipate the death toll to exceed 50, with search efforts extending to neighboring villages.

In the wake of the dam breach in Old Kijabe on Monday morning, the relentless floodwaters claimed the lives of 45 individuals, including 17 minors, whose bodies were recovered from various locations near the scene.

Naivasha OCPD Stephen Kirui underscored the possibility of the death toll rising further as search operations persisted. Concerns lingered regarding the fate of passengers aboard the ill-fated Easy Coach bus, with their whereabouts remaining uncertain.

Kirui highlighted the harrowing circumstances of the incident, where multiple vehicles, along with their occupants, were swept away by the surging floods, leaving wreckage and bodies yet to be retrieved.

"The rushing waters inundated sections of the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu and Narok-Mai Mahiu roads, contributing to the grim recovery efforts," stated the police official.

Eyewitness accounts depicted scenes of chaos and despair as residents recounted being abruptly awakened by the deafening sound of rushing water. William Rokai, a survivor, narrated how he, alongside his brothers, narrowly escaped with their children as their home was engulfed within minutes.

David Chege echoed the sentiment, describing the catastrophe as unparalleled in the region's history. Many families grappled with uncertainty as dozens remained missing, while scores were hospitalized across Naivasha.

Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, visibly shaken by the magnitude of the disaster, labeled it a national tragedy, emphasizing the irrevocable loss suffered by affected families.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident as one of the darkest chapters in the nation's history, calling for decisive action to relocate residents from hazardous areas to avert further casualties.

Meanwhile, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika extended condolences to the affected families, pledging robust support from the county and collaborating with counterparts in Kiambu, where the dam was situated, to alleviate the crisis.

Despite the challenges posed by darkness during rescue operations, efforts were underway, with appeals for assistance from both public and private sectors to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Mai Mahiu.