Heavy rains wreak havoc

Property of unknown value has been destroyed as heavy rains continue to pound several counties.

There are also fears of possible mudslides and residents in landslide-prone areas have been asked to move to safer ground.

These include people living in the mountainous areas of Pokot South, who have been asked to be on the lookout for floods and mudslides.

The hilly areas of Tapach and Sina are prone to lightning strikes and mudslides, with deaths and destruction of property having been reported in the past.

Issued alerts

The Department of Meteorology has also issued alerts on possible thunderstorms, flash floods and mudslides in Pokot North as well as parts of the neighbouring Trans Nzoia County.

According to the weatherman, areas around Namanjalala, Maridadi and Marinda in Trans Nzoia are likely to experience flooding. River Sabwani is also expected to break its banks with the onset of heavy rainfall. County Director for Meteorological Services Callisters Wachana said high rainfall would be experienced this month and asked residents in areas prone to flooding and mudslides to be alert to avoid loss of life.

“Rainfall is likely to be high this month and we are calling on residents, especially those living near rivers, to be cautious because flooding could affect some regions,” said Mr Wachana.

Last year, several families in Namanjalala and Maridadi were displaced by floods after River Sabwani broke its banks. However, the Kenya Red Cross and the county government were on hand to support affected residents in dire need of shelter, clothing and food.

Light bridges in Pokot North and Pokot Central are also likely to be washed away by floods as River Turkwel and River Suam, which flow through the region, often burst their banks during the heavy rains season.

In Mombasa, transport was affected as heavy rain pounded the county yesterday and roads were rendered impassable.

However, the rains were a blessing for some as those operating tuk tuk taxis cashed in.

Avert deaths

Residents of Bamburi were unable to cross a river from Utange to Bamburi after a bridge under construction was washed away. Harubanas Kioko, a resident, said the national government should act fast to avert deaths.

“Children did not go to school after the bridge was washed away. This bridge should have been completed three years ago but some people decided to play politics with it,” said Mr Kioko.

In Nyanza region, residents of Lela in Kobura ward were counting their losses after flash floods hit.

At least 300 families were said to have been affected in parts of Nyando and Muhoroni sub-counties.

Some were forced to abandon their homes to live with relatives on higher ground. Others remained trapped in their flooded homes.

In Nakuru County, residents of Kwa Rhonda, Ponda Mali, Flamingo, Bondeni and Kivumbini are living in fear of floods.

They said the situation had been complicated by a poor drainage system that had been choked by waste.