Update: Death Toll of Nakuru's Killer Patel Dam Rises to 43 [VIDEO]

The death toll of Nakuru’s Patel Dam, which broke its banks on Wednesday evening, has risen to 43 even as search a rescue operation continue.

The incident happened at Solai area, Subukia Constituency and has left over 3000 people homeless. An unclear number of victims are still missing. Confirming the death toll, regional police chief Gideon Kibunjah said among those dead are about 20 children, while 36 people have been hospitalized.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet are among top government officials who toured the scene of the incident to assess the situation.

In a statement, State House termed the incident as saddening. “We are saddened by the loss of lives and property occasioned by the bursting of Patel Dam in Solai, Subukia."

“First responders have been on the ground and we commend them for the work they are doing in the rescue efforts,” the statement sent by State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu read.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr has led leaders in urging President Kenyatta to declare the ongoing floods a national disaster.

The 8pm incident brings the national death toll as a result of floods to close to 200 while about 300, 000 others are displaced.

Video by Citizen TV