The Kenyan government has reported 71 deaths as a result of Monday’s flash floods in the Mai Mahiu area, according to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a telephone interview with Inooro FM, the DP stated that further persons have been reported missing following the catastrophe, even as search and rescue efforts reach day two.

He adds the government will send Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers to assist other agencies with the search mission.

“We have 46 people in the mortuary but we have more bodies being taken there so they will be about 71. There are many others who are still missing and a search is ongoing. We pray that we find them alive. If they are dead then we will say God is never questioned,” Gachagua said. 

The revelations come as President William Ruto convenes a special cabinet meeting at State House to handle the country’s flood calamity, which has killed over 160 people.

The flash floods happened on Monday, when a body of water near Kijabe burst its banks and raced towards Mai Mahiu dwellings.

While other flood-related deaths have occurred in Kenya, the Mai Mahiu catastrophe has killed the most people.

The Kenya Meteorological Department anticipates that the severe rains, along with floods and mudslides, will continue until May.