Kenya dam breaks

The Patel Dam, an earthen embankment dam in central Nigeria, burst in heavy rain on May 9, flooding the town of Solai and killing at least 47 people. More than 40 people were still missing as of press time.

The privately owned dam, one of five in the area built by a farmer for his large (3,500-acre) commercial rose farm, held about 52,800 gallons. It is believed the embankment failed after cracks formed when rocks and trees from a forest above the dam were swept into it during flooding.