Floods displace over 1900 families in Homa Bay, Kisumu

Displaced women and children camp at Kobuya Primary School in Rachuonyo North sub-county on April 17, 2024. [James Omoro, Standard]

Hundreds of families have been displaced by floods in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties following heavy down pour.

In Homa Bay, at least 1,731 households have sought shelter at public schools after their homes were submerged.

The affected households hail from Kobuya, Chuowe, Osodo, and Simbi in Rachuonyo North sub-county.

Other areas affected by floods are along River Kuja and River Oyombe in Ndhiwa sub-county. Lambwe Valley and Remba Island in Suba and Mbita Sub-counties have also been affected by floods.

In Rachuonyo North, the displaced families have camped at Kobuya and Osodo Primary Schools and Simbi dispensary.

"The foodstuff I had in my house was destroyed by floods. I do not have anything to eat in my house," said Margaret Olwero.

Hellen Anyango said her house collapsed after heavy down pour.

“I appeal to well-wishers to come to our rescue. My children have nowhere to sleep and the entire family is suffering,” Anyango said.

Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan said the county disaster management committee has moved in to help the flood victims.

The county disaster management committee comprises officials from the county and national governments. They are partnering with the Kenya Red Cross Society and other organisations which offer humanitarian aid.

"We have also told national government administration officials to move out of areas which are prone to floods," Lilan said.

The County Commissioner said the Kenya Meteorological Department had issued an advisory that the rains will continue until mid-May.

The administrator urged residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers.

“Let our people also be careful when moving around areas where power lines are tilting to avoid electrocution. Let them also stop sheltering under trees during rains as doing so may cause them to be struck by lightning,” Lilan said.

In Kisumu, families living in the flood-prone Ombaka region in Kano plains are stranded after their homes were submerged.

At least 250 families have sought refuge at Ombaka Secondary School.

The situation has been worsened by the backflow from Lake Victoria.

Maureen Juma, a mother of three told The Standard that her homestead has been submerged and crops were washed away by floods.