Flooding scare in Nyanza

Parts of Kisumu and Homabay in Kobala affected by heavy downpour. [Denish Ochieng/Standard]

Heavy rains pounding Kisumu and the neighbouring Nandi Highlands have caused flood fear with some families already moving to higher grounds.

Residents living in areas around Nyamasaria, Mowlem and River Nyando have started moving to higher grounds as the water levels steadily rose from Friday.

Families living along the river and those near River Kibos around Mowlem experienced flooding on Saturday but the waters had subsided by Sunday afternoon.

A local resident, Thomas Okwriri, said their homes flooded on Friday night following a heavy downpour and they feared the situation could worsen if the rains persisted.

"We are fearing the worst. There were flash floods on Friday night but they subsided," said Mr Okwiri.

Kadibo Deputy County Commissioner, Mohammed Yusuf, said the area has not been affected but they were on high alert due to the on-going heavy rains.

"Our area is prone to floods but we have not yet been hit. However we are on high alert and villagers living near rivers have been advised to take greater care," he said.

A spot check by The Standard on the affected areas indicated the floodwaters are subsiding.

Those living around Ombeyi area which experiences perennial floods also reported remarkable swelling levels of River Nyando.

The rains have damaged roads across the region, with Homa Bay being the worst hit, rendering the Sindo-Magunga road impassable.

Also damaged is the Ahero-Irrigation-Ombeyo road which has disrupted transport in the area.