Floods leave one dead, trail of destruction, says Kenya Red Cross Coordinator

Heavy rainfall has caused havoc, leaving one dead and property worth millions of shillings destroyed.

A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) game ranger died and six of his colleagues had to be rescued from floods at Kipsing on Friday.

Yesterday, Kenya Red Cross Society Isiolo branch coordinator Sora Bitacha said the ranger died after their vehicle was swept away at a seasonal river in Kipsing.

The rangers were on patrol in the area when the incident occurred.

''One ranger died while six others were rescued after the floods swept away their vehicle,'' said Mr Bitacha.

STRANDED RESIDENTS

In Isiolo Central, the heavy downpour caused havoc, leaving a trail of destruction. Hundreds of temporary buildings including schools were affected.

Thousands of residents could not go home until late in the night as streets in the town were submerged.

''We could not do business because of the heavy rains. The streets were heavily flooded and getting to the estates was impossible,'' said Martin Mutush, a cyclist.

The heavy rains damaged homes and schools in Isiolo Central. At Waso Primary School, five classroom roofs were blown off while a section of the perimeter wall at Wabera Primary School fell.

Bitacha said 300 families have been affected by the floods.

The Kenya Red Cross Society has warned residents living along River Ewaso Ngi'ro to relocate to higher grounds, saying the river had burst its banks.

''Those living in Gafarsa and Malkadaka should be careful as the river has burst its banks. We do not want to see loss of lives and property,'' said Bitacha.