The death toll in East Africa has risen significantly due to torrential rains brought about by cyclone Hidaya which made landfall in the coast of Kenya and Tanzania. The region has never faced a cyclone before, so how did the governments in these nations deal with the emergency?

East Africa floods to continue in May

Floods and landslides across Kenya have killed 228&nbsp;people since March, with hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes, the government and Red Cross said on Wednesday, as dozens more were killed in neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi.

Torrential rain and floods have destroyed homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the region. The death toll in Kenya exceeds that from floods triggered by the El Nino weather phenomenon late last year.

In the central Kenyan town of Mai Mahiu, where at least 48 died in flash floods on Monday, two bodies were recovered from the debris on Wednesday, Kenya Red Cross South Rift Regional Manager Felix Maiyo said.

Military personnel accompanied by sniffer dogs had joined the search, Maiyo said. Earlier on Wednesday, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the total death toll had risen by 10 to 179.

Last year's rains followed the worst drought in large parts of East Africa in decades.

In Kitengela, 33 km (20 miles) from Nairobi, Kenya Red Cross workers were helping to rescue residents whose homes were marooned by flood waters.

They were also trying to rescue tourists trapped at camps in Narok, 215 km from Nairobi, the Kenya Red Cross said on social media platform X.

Kenya's national highways authority said it had closed a section of a highway leading to the city and at least three other roads across the country due to flooding and debris.

The disaster prompted Pope Francis to speak out in sympathy with Kenyans during a general audience on Wednesday at the Vatican.

"I ... wish to express to the people of Kenya my spiritual closeness at this time as severe flooding has tragically taken the lives of many of our brothers and sisters, injured others and caused widespread destruction," he said.

The White House on Wednesday extended condolences to victims' families and said the United States is contributing to response efforts through the U.S. Agency for International Development.

"We continue to offer our continued and resolute support to all who have been impacted and are closely monitoring the situation," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a briefing.

Floods and landslides across Kenya have killed 228 people since March, with hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes, the government and Red Cross said on Wednesday, as dozens more were killed in neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi.

Floods and landslides across Kenya have killed 228 people since March, with hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes, the government and Red Cross said on Wednesday, as dozens more were killed in neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi. Torrential rain and floods have destroyed homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the region. The death toll in Kenya exceeds that from floods triggered by the El Nino weather phenomenon late last year. In the central Kenyan town of Mai Mahiu, where at least 48 died in flash floods on Monday, two bodies were recovered from the debris on Wednesday, Kenya Red Cross South Rift Regional Manager Felix Maiyo said. Military personnel accompanied by sniffer dogs had joined the search, Maiyo said. Earlier on Wednesday, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the total death toll had risen by 10 to 179. Last year's rains followed the worst drought in large parts of East Africa in decades. In Kitengela, 33 km (20 miles) from Nairobi, Kenya Red Cross workers were helping to rescue residents whose homes were marooned by flood waters. They were also trying to rescue tourists trapped at camps in Narok, 215 km from Nairobi, the Kenya Red Cross said on social media platform X. Kenya's national highways authority said it had closed a section of a highway leading to the city and at least three other roads across the country due to flooding and debris. The disaster prompted Pope Francis to speak out in sympathy with Kenyans during a general audience on Wednesday at the Vatican. "I ... wish to express to the people of Kenya my spiritual closeness at this time as severe flooding has tragically taken the lives of many of our brothers and sisters, injured others and caused widespread destruction," he said. The White House on Wednesday extended condolences to victims' families and said the United States is contributing to response efforts through the U.S. Agency for International Development. "We continue to offer our continued and resolute support to all who have been impacted and are closely monitoring the situation," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a briefing.

Kenya flood toll rises to 228 as homes and roads are destroyed

The death caused by flooding and other consequences of the heavy rain battering Kenya has risen to 288. The torrential rains that have caused widespread flooding and landslides across Kenya. Watch in for more details!

Kenya Floods: Death toll from floods rise to 288, deluge destroys homes, roads & bridges

Kenya has made history by appointing a woman to lead its air force for the very first time.

Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed has been selected for this significant role. This appointment by Kenya's President, William Ruto, is especially important&nbsp;given the tragic helicopter crash that occurred just last month.

The crash claimed the lives of key military figures, including the previous leader, prompting an urgent&nbsp;need for fresh leadership within the air force. Maj Gen Ahmed now steps into this pivotal position, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's military history and exemplifying strides towards gender equality and representation within the country's armed forces.

Her appointment to the top job in the air force shows that anyone, regardless of gender, can do it. Maj Gen Fatumah Gaiti Ahmed is Kenya’s first woman to lead the air force, a role that's usually held by men.

She's also the first woman to become a brigadier and major general.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Kenya's first female air force commander: Major General Fatuma Ahmed

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<h2>Everything about Maj Gen Fatumah Gaiti Ahmed</h2>

Gen Ahmed was born in 1965 and went to Aga Khan High School in Nairobi. She finished her studies at the National Defence College and Defence Staff College in July 2000. She also got a Diploma in Management from Strathmore University College.

After completing her education in 1983, Gen Ahmed was on her way to get her ID when she noticed a recruitment ad by the Kenyan Defence Forces. Taking a chance, she applied and was accepted.

Gen Ahmed joined the Kenya Military Academy as an officer cadet in 1984, and from then on, her progress was unstoppable. Upon completing her training, she was appointed as a second lieutenant in the Kenyan Women’s Service Corps in 1985.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-military-helicopter-crashes-with-defence-chief-on-board-police-712713">Also read |&nbsp;Kenya military helicopter crashes with defence chief on board: Police</a>

This Corps was specifically for women recruits, functioning separately from other branches of the military, supposedly to offer support services to male officers.

In a 2015 interview with the African news outlet Nation, she remarked,&nbsp;“It was just an opportunity that presented itself and I decided to go for it.”

However, in 1999, the Women’s Corps was disbanded, and Gen Ahmed was transferred to the Kenyan Air Force.

Significantly, Gen Ahmed became the first woman in Kenyan military history to advance in rank.

In 2015, she was elevated to the rank of Brigadier by then President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In 2021, her exceptional career was further recognised when she was promoted to the rank of Major General.

In 2023, President William Ruto appointed her as the Senior Directing Staff Air.

Maj Gen Ahmed also worked as the second-in-command of a battalion and as a staff officer handling audit, personnel, and records.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

Kenya has made history by appointing a woman to lead its air force for the very first time. Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed has been selected for this significant role.

Kenya has made history by appointing a woman to lead its air force for the very first time. Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed has been selected for this significant role. This appointment by Kenya's President, William Ruto, is especially important given the tragic helicopter crash that occurred just last month. The crash claimed the lives of key military figures, including the previous leader, prompting an urgent need for fresh leadership within the air force. Maj Gen Ahmed now steps into this pivotal position, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's military history and exemplifying strides towards gender equality and representation within the country's armed forces. Her appointment to the top job in the air force shows that anyone, regardless of gender, can do it. Maj Gen Fatumah Gaiti Ahmed is Kenya’s first woman to lead the air force, a role that's usually held by men. She's also the first woman to become a brigadier and major general. Also watch | Gravitas | Kenya's first female air force commander: Major General Fatuma Ahmed Everything about Maj Gen Fatumah Gaiti Ahmed Gen Ahmed was born in 1965 and went to Aga Khan High School in Nairobi. She finished her studies at the National Defence College and Defence Staff College in July 2000. She also got a Diploma in Management from Strathmore University College. After completing her education in 1983, Gen Ahmed was on her way to get her ID when she noticed a recruitment ad by the Kenyan Defence Forces. Taking a chance, she applied and was accepted. Gen Ahmed joined the Kenya Military Academy as an officer cadet in 1984, and from then on, her progress was unstoppable. Upon completing her training, she was appointed as a second lieutenant in the Kenyan Women’s Service Corps in 1985. Also read | Kenya military helicopter crashes with defence chief on board: Police This Corps was specifically for women recruits, functioning separately from other branches of the military, supposedly to offer support services to male officers. In a 2015 interview with the African news outlet Nation, she remarked, “It was just an opportunity that presented itself and I decided to go for it.” However, in 1999, the Women’s Corps was disbanded, and Gen Ahmed was transferred to the Kenyan Air Force. Significantly, Gen Ahmed became the first woman in Kenyan military history to advance in rank. In 2015, she was elevated to the rank of Brigadier by then President Uhuru Kenyatta. In 2021, her exceptional career was further recognised when she was promoted to the rank of Major General. In 2023, President William Ruto appointed her as the Senior Directing Staff Air. Maj Gen Ahmed also worked as the second-in-command of a battalion and as a staff officer handling audit, personnel, and records. (With inputs from agencies)

History made: Kenya appoints first woman air force head

Kenya has got its first female Air Force commander. Her name is Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed. She joined the military over four decades ago. Since then she has held several firsts in a military leadership dominated by men. How did she ascend to this position?

Gravitas | Kenya's first female air force commander: Major General Fatuma Ahmed

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Paris: Police raid University students - Kenya floods death toll crosses 200 - Turkiye inflation in April at 69.8% - UK: Tories suffer worst loss in 40 years - China launches Chang'e 6 lunar probe

Paris: Police raid University students | Kenya floods death toll crosses 200

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Kenya floods death toll crosses 200 - Cameron promises $3 bn aid to Kyiv - UK: Tories suffer worst loss in 40 years - China launches Chang'e 6 lunar probe - Iran releases crew of ship MSC Aries

Kenya floods death toll crosses 200 | Cameron promises $3 billion aid to Kyiv

Floods and landslides across Kenya have killed 181 people since March. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to leave their homes, and dozens more were killed in neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi. Torrential rain and floods have destroyed homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure across the region.

Kenya: Torrential rain and floods destroy homes, roads & bridges

Kenya floods:  Homes,bridges and roads destroyed

Kenya is witnessing deadly floods. Devastating rainfall lashed Kenya since March. It is one of the most catastrophic in recent years. At least 169 people died with several still missing. Watch this video for all details.

Kenya floods: Why is Kenya witnessing deadly floods?

At least 69 people were killed when a dam burst north of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, the governor of the local county told AFP. The dam burst near Mai Mahiu in Nakuru county, washing away houses and cutting off a road, with rescuers digging through debris to find survivors.

Kenya heavy rains: At least 69 killed, intense downpours in East Africa

Kenyan rugby player Dennis Ombachi has become as famous for his catchphrase "done" as he is for his cooking videos on TikTok. As he forged a path away from the sports fields and onto his iconic balcony, the 2022 best African TikTok content creator battled a few demons along the way - DEPRESSION.

Kenyan rugby player-turned-TikTok star's journey

Scores reported missing as Kenya ravaged by mass flooding. So far, 71 people were killed when a dam burst in Kenya's rift valley region. East Africa has been hit by the worst effects of the El Nino phenomenon which has affected Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi with over 250 deaths reported in a week in all the three nations, and approximately 300,000 people displaced.

Kenya Floods: Dam burst kills over 70 in Kenya's rift valley

At least 45 people were killed when a dam burst North of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, the governor of the local county told AFP. The dam burst near Mai Mahiu in Nakuru county, washing away houses and cutting off a road, with rescuers digging through debris to find survivors.

Kenya: At least 45 killed due to heavy rains, floodwaters sweep away houses & cars

Kenya: At least 45 killed in flash flood, over 185,000 displaced

At least 45 people died when a dam burst its banks near a town in&nbsp;Kenya's Rift Valley, police said on Monday, as torrential rains and floods battered the country.

The disaster raises the total death toll over the March-May wet season in&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;to more than 120 as heavier than usual rainfall pounds East Africa, compounded by the El Nino weather pattern.

Residents said the accident occurred in the dead of night near Mai Mahiu, in Nakuru county, sending water gushing down a hill and engulfing everything in its path.

The deluge cut off a road, uprooted trees, washed away homes and sent vehicles flying.

"Forty-five bodies have been recovered from that dam tragedy as at now, and the team on the ground is overwhelmed but the search is still ongoing," a senior officer at Nakuru County police headquarters told AFP by phone.

Nakuru governor Susan Kihika had earlier put the death toll at 42.

"It's a conservative estimate. There are still more in the mud, we are working on recovery," she told AFP.

Rescuers were digging through the debris, using hoes and in some cases just their bare hands in a desperate search for survivors.

Stephen Njihia Njoroge, a local resident involved in the emergency efforts, said 12 people had been pulled to safety since 4:00 am (0100 GMT).&nbsp;

But for many, it was too late.

"We collected some of the bodies held by trees and we don't know how many are under the mud," he told AFP.

<h2>'Risky behaviour'&nbsp;</h2>

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said the government had directed security and intelligence officials to "inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs in their jurisdictions within 24 hours... (and) recommend cases (for) compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement".

He also said on X that the authorities would arrest people engaging in "risky behaviour", including motorists attempting dangerous crossings and anyone seeking to transport "passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats".

His comments came after a boat packed with people capsized at the weekend in flooded Tana River county in eastern&nbsp;Kenya, with the&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;Red Cross saying it had retrieved two bodies and rescued 23 others.

Video footage shared online and &nbsp;on television showed the crowded boat sinking, with people screaming as onlookers watched in horror.

On Saturday, officials said 76 people had lost their lives in&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;since March, with over 130,000 displaced.

Schools have been forced to remain shut following mid-term holidays, after the education ministry announced Monday it would postpone their reopening to May 6 due to "ongoing heavy rains".

"The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools is so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety," Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu said.

<h2>Turmoil across the region&nbsp;</h2>

The monsoons have also wreaked havoc in neighbouring Tanzania, where at least 155 people have been killed in flooding and landslides.

In Burundi, one of the world's poorest countries, around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains, the United Nations and the government said earlier this month.

Uganda has also suffered heavy storms that have caused riverbanks to burst, with two deaths confirmed and several hundred villagers displaced.

Monday's dam disaster comes six years after a similar accident at Solai, also in Nakuru county, killed 48 people, sending&nbsp;millions of litres of muddy waters raging through homes and destroying power lines.

The May 2018 disaster involving a private reservoir on a coffee estate also followed weeks of torrential rains that sparked deadly floods and mudslides.

El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, leading to drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere.

Late last year, more than 300 people died in rains and floods in&nbsp;Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, just as the region was trying to recover from its worst drought in four decades that left millions of people hungry.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization said in March that the latest El Nino is one of the five strongest ever recorded.

At least 45 people died when a dam burst its banks near a town in Kenya's Rift Valley, police said on Monday, as torrential rains and floods battered the country.

At least 45 people died when a dam burst its banks near a town in Kenya's Rift Valley, police said on Monday, as torrential rains and floods battered the country. The disaster raises the total death toll over the March-May wet season in Kenya to more than 120 as heavier than usual rainfall pounds East Africa, compounded by the El Nino weather pattern. Residents said the accident occurred in the dead of night near Mai Mahiu, in Nakuru county, sending water gushing down a hill and engulfing everything in its path. The deluge cut off a road, uprooted trees, washed away homes and sent vehicles flying. "Forty-five bodies have been recovered from that dam tragedy as at now, and the team on the ground is overwhelmed but the search is still ongoing," a senior officer at Nakuru County police headquarters told AFP by phone. Nakuru governor Susan Kihika had earlier put the death toll at 42. "It's a conservative estimate. There are still more in the mud, we are working on recovery," she told AFP. Rescuers were digging through the debris, using hoes and in some cases just their bare hands in a desperate search for survivors. Stephen Njihia Njoroge, a local resident involved in the emergency efforts, said 12 people had been pulled to safety since 4:00 am (0100 GMT). But for many, it was too late. "We collected some of the bodies held by trees and we don't know how many are under the mud," he told AFP. 'Risky behaviour' Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said the government had directed security and intelligence officials to "inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs in their jurisdictions within 24 hours... (and) recommend cases (for) compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement". He also said on X that the authorities would arrest people engaging in "risky behaviour", including motorists attempting dangerous crossings and anyone seeking to transport "passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats". His comments came after a boat packed with people capsized at the weekend in flooded Tana River county in eastern Kenya, with the Kenya Red Cross saying it had retrieved two bodies and rescued 23 others. Video footage shared online and on television showed the crowded boat sinking, with people screaming as onlookers watched in horror. On Saturday, officials said 76 people had lost their lives in Kenya since March, with over 130,000 displaced. Schools have been forced to remain shut following mid-term holidays, after the education ministry announced Monday it would postpone their reopening to May 6 due to "ongoing heavy rains". "The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools is so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety," Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu said. Turmoil across the region The monsoons have also wreaked havoc in neighbouring Tanzania, where at least 155 people have been killed in flooding and landslides. In Burundi, one of the world's poorest countries, around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains, the United Nations and the government said earlier this month. Uganda has also suffered heavy storms that have caused riverbanks to burst, with two deaths confirmed and several hundred villagers displaced. Monday's dam disaster comes six years after a similar accident at Solai, also in Nakuru county, killed 48 people, sending millions of litres of muddy waters raging through homes and destroying power lines. The May 2018 disaster involving a private reservoir on a coffee estate also followed weeks of torrential rains that sparked deadly floods and mudslides. El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, leading to drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere. Late last year, more than 300 people died in rains and floods in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, just as the region was trying to recover from its worst drought in four decades that left millions of people hungry. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said in March that the latest El Nino is one of the five strongest ever recorded.

Dozens killed as dam bursts in flood-hit Kenya

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Myanmar hits record 48.2°C - Blinken in Saudi for talks on Gaza - Israel-Lebanon border heats up - Xi on Europe tour from May 5-10 - UK to start detaining Asylum seekers - At least 43 killed in Kenya Dam Burst

Kenya Dam Bursts: At least 43 killed in Central Kenya | Myanmar hits record 48.2°

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - ICC to issue arrest warrant against Bibi? - China to launch high-stake moon mission - Indian markets open higher - Kenya delays school opening - Ukraine troops retreat in 3 places

China to launch high-stake moon mission | ICC to issue arrest warrant against Netanyahu

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Kenya Floods: 76 killed in Kenya flood havoc - Israel-Hezbollah tensions at new peak - US: Joe Biden roasts Donald Trump - Spain: Show of support for PM Sanchez - Police cracks down at US Universities - Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal push

76 killed in Kenya flood havoc | Israel-Hezbollah tensions at new peak

Heavy rains swept through the homes of residents in Kenya. At least 13 people have died, nearly 3,000 households displaced.

Kenya Floods: 44 people killed, thousands displaced by raging floods

In Kenya, heavy rain and floods have mounted numerous fatalities... The search for the survivors is on as several major towns have been inundated.

Floods wreak havoc in Kenya

Kenya's flood emergency is mounting. At least 38 people have been killed and over 11,000 displaced in Kenya following heavy rains. The Kenyan Red Cross claims to have rescued 180 people Countrywide.

Kenya flood death toll rises to 38

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave. It's got some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg. Experts are now worried that the Marburg virus might cause the next big outbreak, and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about it.

Marburg is an illness marked by bleeding and disruption of bodily functions.&nbsp;It can be deadly, with up to 88 per cent of people dying from it.

The virus spreads through contact with infected people's fluids, and even touching stuff like towels that they've used can pass it on. Plus, fruit bats, common in Africa, can carry the virus too, making it easier for it to spread.

The virus typically remains dormant for at least three weeks before symptoms appear in patients. However, the early signs often mimic those of malaria and Ebola.

Many infected people exhibit sunken eyes and blank facial expressions. In advanced stages, it can lead to bleeding from various body parts such as the vagina, eyes, nose, and gums. There are no vaccines against the virus, so doctors focus on treating symptoms with medications and fluids.

In 1980, during an exploration of Kitum Cave, a French engineer working at a nearby sugar mill accidentally came into contact with the Marburg virus, which causes severe tissue damage.&nbsp;He passed away shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Nairobi.

His rapid deterioration from the viral hemorrhagic fever was described in a book as resembling "the face detaching itself from the skull," with his facial features appearing to hang from the bone as the connective tissue dissolved. Years later, a Danish boy on vacation with his family also fell victim to a similar hemorrhagic virus known as Ravn and died.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-bodies-shaped-by-ancient-viruses-millions-of-years-ago-study-691185">Also read | Human bodies shaped by ancient viruses millions of years ago: Study</a>

<h2>A breeding ground for zoonotic infections</h2>

The discovery of important salty minerals within the cave has not only attracted elephants but also other animals like buffaloes, antelope, leopards, and hyenas from western Kenya.

This has turned Kitum into a hotspot for diseases that can pass from animals to humans, known as zoonotic infections, according to researchers.

Also watch |&nbsp;Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/next-pandemic-likely-to-be-caused-by-flu-virus-scientists-warn-713656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The cave, which is 600 feet deep, has been continually excavated and enlarged by elephants,&nbsp;inadvertently providing a habitat for disease-carrying bats, as reported by Science Times.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave. It's got some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg.

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave. It's got some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg. Experts are now worried that the Marburg virus might cause the next big outbreak, and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about it. Marburg is an illness marked by bleeding and disruption of bodily functions. It can be deadly, with up to 88 per cent of people dying from it. The virus spreads through contact with infected people's fluids, and even touching stuff like towels that they've used can pass it on. Plus, fruit bats, common in Africa, can carry the virus too, making it easier for it to spread. The virus typically remains dormant for at least three weeks before symptoms appear in patients. However, the early signs often mimic those of malaria and Ebola. Many infected people exhibit sunken eyes and blank facial expressions. In advanced stages, it can lead to bleeding from various body parts such as the vagina, eyes, nose, and gums. There are no vaccines against the virus, so doctors focus on treating symptoms with medications and fluids. In 1980, during an exploration of Kitum Cave, a French engineer working at a nearby sugar mill accidentally came into contact with the Marburg virus, which causes severe tissue damage. He passed away shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Nairobi. His rapid deterioration from the viral hemorrhagic fever was described in a book as resembling "the face detaching itself from the skull," with his facial features appearing to hang from the bone as the connective tissue dissolved. Years later, a Danish boy on vacation with his family also fell victim to a similar hemorrhagic virus known as Ravn and died. Also read | Human bodies shaped by ancient viruses millions of years ago: Study A breeding ground for zoonotic infections The discovery of important salty minerals within the cave has not only attracted elephants but also other animals like buffaloes, antelope, leopards, and hyenas from western Kenya. This has turned Kitum into a hotspot for diseases that can pass from animals to humans, known as zoonotic infections, according to researchers. Also watch | Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn The cave, which is 600 feet deep, has been continually excavated and enlarged by elephants, inadvertently providing a habitat for disease-carrying bats, as reported by Science Times. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya’s ‘killer’ cave, believed to be source of Ebola, could bring about the next pandemic

Ten people, including Kenya's defence chief lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Thursday (Apr 18) after the aircraft came down minutes after take-off, announced President William Ruto.

The helicopter had been on a visit to military personnel who were deployed in northwest Kenya to fight the endemic cattle rustling.&nbsp;

The incident occurred minutes after the aircraft left Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County, said Ruto.

"Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident... I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla," he said.

"Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals," he told a news conference. "The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me... A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country."

However, he said two soldiers who survived the crash were rushed to hospital further adding that a probe was launched into the matter to ascertain the cause behind the incident.

Ogolla, who previously used to head the Kenyan Air Force, became the deputy military chief before being promoted to the position of Kenya's military chief.

Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces in the year 1984, where he trained as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force and as an instructor pilot at the Kenya Air Force (KAF), as per a Defence Ministry profile.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ten people, including Kenya's defence chief lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Thursday (Apr 18) after the aircraft came down minutes after take-off, announced President William Ruto.

Ten people, including Kenya's defence chief lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Thursday (Apr 18) after the aircraft came down minutes after take-off, announced President William Ruto. The helicopter had been on a visit to military personnel who were deployed in northwest Kenya to fight the endemic cattle rustling. The incident occurred minutes after the aircraft left Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County, said Ruto. "Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident... I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla," he said. "Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals," he told a news conference. "The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me... A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country." However, he said two soldiers who survived the crash were rushed to hospital further adding that a probe was launched into the matter to ascertain the cause behind the incident. Ogolla, who previously used to head the Kenyan Air Force, became the deputy military chief before being promoted to the position of Kenya's military chief. Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces in the year 1984, where he trained as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force and as an instructor pilot at the Kenya Air Force (KAF), as per a Defence Ministry profile. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya military helicopter crashes with defence chief on board: Police

Floods are also impacting parts of the African continent. In Kenya at least 13 people have died, nearly 3,000 households displaced, and over 339 livestock killed because of the flooding in the past several days...

Governments in Africa declare a climate emergency

Seeds specifically bred to withstand climate change could help farmers in Kenya. Scientists and farmers have worked together to create a bean that can cope with the country's drought conditions.

Farmers create climate-smart seeds in Kenya

Heavy rains and flooding in Kenya have caused severe destruction in several parts of the country. Local media reports have put the death toll from flooding in recent days at 11 with over 2,000 people displaced.

Floods cause severe destruction In Kenya

Conservationists and Kenyan officials are urging Tanzania to restrict trophy hunters to its heartland, to protect Kenyan elephants, after three of them were shot across the border in recent months. Watch in for more details!

Kenya urges Tanzania to restrict trophy hunters

As countries marked world health day on the 7th of April , the world health organisation highlighted air pollution as a top danger. In Kenya, toxic fumes from dumps sites and traffic are being blamed for respiratory problems.

Dumpsites put health of Kenyans in danger

Kenya declared cult an ‘organised criminal group’ after starvation deaths. the authorities started to hand over to relatives the bodies of 429 members of a doomsday cult. Paul Mackenzie and dozens of his associates were charged in February with the torture and murder of 191 children. The trial begins on April 23.

Kenya doomsday cult victims' bodies released to families

Bereaved families emerged weeping from a hospital mortuary in Kenya on Tuesday after recovering the remains of loved ones who were forced to starve themselves by a doomsday cult leader. Watch to know more.

Kenya Families weep for starvation cult victims as first bodies released

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