Desperate cry for help as floods leave trail of death, destruction

Several families are staring at huge losses as floods continue to wreak havoc, displacing thousands and destroying large swathes of farmland in Nyanza and Western regions.

By yesterday, at least 10 people had lost their lives after they drowned.

In Kisumu, rice farmers are among the hardest hit. In Ahero and West Kano irrigation schemes several farms were submerged.

Hundreds of families are seeking refuge in rescue camps across the flood-prone region.

Willis Ochieng, a farmer, said he lost his entire three acres of rice. “My home is still marooned,” he said.

In Migori, at least 95 households have been displaced while three people were confirmed dead.

Environment CEC Julius Nyerere said last week, a boy drowned in River Migori last week in Nyangubo, Suna West, while a driver lost control of his truck as he crossed a flooded bridge at Masurura in Kuria East Sub-County.

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“A lorry was swept away killing one driver. Search mission is ongoing,” he said.

On Monday, three bodies were found at the Kao Beach in Got Kachola, but residents were unable to retrieve them due to the raging waters.

“None of the three bodies has been found and search is ongoing,” said Nyerere.

Similarly in Trans Mara, the floods have for two days caused suffering at the Olchobosei Trading Centre, interrupting business, with traders blaming poor drainage.

They said storm waters swept away their stocks and stalls.

Jane Ruto said the main road and the Kolonget-Olchobosei Bridge were submerged, interrupting traffic for long hours.

“All places were flooded, including shops, market stalls and hotels. Our commodities were soaked in water,” she said.

Drainage systems

The traders appealed to the Narok County administration to find a lasting solution. “Flooding is due to poor drainage systems and some people constructing buildings on the drainage. There is an urgent need for a solution,” said Ruto.

Joseph Rono, a carpentry workshop owner, said dirty water left stagnant on the road has made it impossible for customers to access some businesses.

In Homa Bay, the body of a man suspected to have been killed by floods was retrieved yesterday near River Ongako Kibugu in Mirongo, Kachwanya Sub Location.

In Siaya, residents of Usigu Sub-County said they were staring at hunger after their crops were swept away.

John Wanzala said the pattern is repeated every rainy season and called for a lasting solution.

A footbridge on River Yala collapsed, killing one person while several animals were swept away.

In Got Agulu, several families in Urima and Uhundha villages face displacement. According to Dan Ajigo of Urima, most roads are flooded.

“Dhogoye bridge has been the cause of perennial flooding in our area but it has taken too long to complete its construction,” said Ajigo.

Jerry Mito warned of increased human-wildlife conflict. “We recently lost one person after he was attacked by a hippopotamus and we’re fearing that the animals are likely to invade our homes.”

Meanwhile, the Interior and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo said 20 counties were the worst affected by the floods. Speaking at the Ogenya evacuation camp in Nyando, Dr Omollo said the government would look into the proposal by local leaders to have an investor help with the construction of the Koru-Soin dam to stop flooding in the area.

He encouraged residents to embrace tree planting. “The government is working to ensure we construct more dykes. We must, however, note that these dykes are not enough to contain the flood problem,” he said.

[Report by Isaiah Gwengi, Edward Kosut, Anne Atieno, Olivia Odhiambo, James Omoro and Clinton Ambujo]