As desperation grows, victims of Nyanza floods count their losses

Faith Adhiambo. Her home in Kabuto village in Nyatike was marooned after dykes on River Kuja in Migori County collapsed last week. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

A dyke villages hoped would have saved them from the raging floods after nearby River Kuja broke it's banks was swept away by the floods. At least 100 households were affected.

Abuto, a mother of four, had her tomatoes, sweet potatoes and maize crops swept away. "We have been left with nothing to eat and children can't go to school," she said.

The floods left her picking vegetables that survived the wrath of the floods. Villagers have to had wade through water to access their compounds. Meshack Ajwang who lives near a section of the dyke that was swept away also suffered a similar fate. His farm is still submerged.

Ajwang said he lost maize and sweet potatoes after river Kuja broke it's banks on April 2. Patients who went to seek treatment at Kabuto Dispensary at the weekend found it's gate locked as part of the facility was still flooded.

"I'm now stranded as I am sick and I have a sick child too but there are no doctors because of the floods," said Sharon Achieng.

Joy Were says she had a sick child but has been stranded since the hospital isn't accessible. She needed Sh300 as fare to the next hospital.

Marooned houses in Got Agulu, Bondo. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Residents have appealed to the county and national governments to intervene and rehabilitate the collapsed dyke erected in 2014. "We are worried because if it rains at night we shall not be safe," David Oyier, a resident of Kabuto, said.

Migori County Environment and Disaster Management Executive Rahab Robi asked residents to move to safer grounds. "We will locate them and help them from wherever they will," said Robi.

In Siaya, some families were forced to seek refuge in churches at Ulowa village due to floods. Jeremiah Mito, a resident, said they are at the risk of wildlife attacks.

"Because of the raging waters, hippos are now seen marauding in homes posing danger to the villagers," said Mito.