More than 100 families displaced by floods in Ndhiwa

Residents of South Kanyikela Location in Ndhiwa Sub- County displaced by floods. [James Omoro/Standard]

More than 100 families in Ndhiwa Sub- County have been displaced by floods following heavy rains in the area.

At least 117 families from four villages in South Kanyikela location have been displaced by rains which have pounded the area for the last three days.

The residents were displaced after Rivers Kuja and Oyombe broke their banks.

On Wednesday, floods had affected families living in Ariri, Kopondo, Riat and Minyere village.

Homa Bay County Commissioner David Kipkemei said his office had received information about floods in the county.

“I am waiting for a comprehensive report before giving a detailed statement about the disaster,” Kipkemei said.

In South Kanyikela Location, area Chief Moses Ongong’a said some of the affected families had already moved from their homes into neighbouring villages which are located on higher grounds.

“Most of the affected people have relocated to their relatives’ homes to avoid more tragedies,” Ongong’a said.

The administrator added that farmers in the area suffered huge economic losses after their crops which were ready for harvesting were swept away by floods.

He said the damages might cause hunger in the area considering that the crops were what most villagers depended on.

In the same area, transport between Amoyo center and Rait where Sukari Industry is situated was paralysed after Oyombe bridge collapsed.

River Oyombe became impassable, jeopardizing business activities in the area.

“Even bodaboda riders cannot access Ndhiwa town which is the sub-county headquarters because of the situation at River Oyombe. We call on government authorities to help solve this menace,” said George Otieno, resident.