Residents spend night in the cold as storm destroys houses

A house destroyed by a landslide in Kapsangar, West Pokot County. [File, Standard]

Residents of Marangar village in Kokwopsis, Tapach Ward, West Pokot County spend the night in the cold after a storm and heavy rainfall destroyed 15 houses and killed two sheep.

The strong winds also caused extensive damage to Nyarpat RCEA Church and Embossion Primary School buildings.

The affected families said the wind blew off the roofs of over 15 houses, forcing them to salvage their property amid heavy downpour.

"We barely had time to react. The wind was so strong that it lifted the roof off my house in seconds. Now, we have nowhere to sleep," said Mary Lokwasi, a resident whose home was destroyed.

West Pokot County Government Disaster Management Chief Officer David Chepelion said that the county government had already deployed a rescue team.

"Property was destroyed, animals and several crop farms were swept away by raging floods, leaving farmers empty-handed," said Chepelion.

Residents are appealing for help from humanitarian organisations and the State Department of Disaster Management.

"We need urgent support. Families have lost everything, and the children are shivering in the cold. We are pleading with the government and well-wishers to come to our aid," said John Korkim, a village elder.

The incident has left the community in distress, with calls for immediate relief aid, including food, shelter, and essential supplies for the displaced families.