Two schools have been damaged by a storm.Five classrooms at St Kizito Primary School, 23 houses at Olla Bule estate and a game lodge within Buffalo Springs Game Reserve were also damaged in the first day of heavy storm accompanied by strong winds which hit Isiolo town on Wednesday.
Tourism Chief Officer Halake Tadicha, who visited the scene Thursday said Ewaso Nyiro River has burst its banks within Central division and the game reserve being flooded.
"Parts of Samburu Ashnil Game Lodge is submerged in water that has affected its operation. This is because the river has burst its banks," Mr Tadicha said.
The official called on management of lodges within the park and the neighbouring Shaba to be on high alert. He said the county would not like to witness a repeat of what happened six years ago when the river burst its banks and heavily damaged lodges in both Isiolo and Samburu counties.
Climbing Trees
That time, tourists were evacuated at night via some climbing trees to avoid being swept away, after their rooms were submerged in water. Samburu Serena Lodge in Isiolo was closed as a result of the damage and is yet to reopen.
In Isiolo town on Wednesday, an afternoon downpour accompanied by a thunderstorm caused floods and damaged several buildings.
St Kizito Primary School Head Teacher Naftali Macharia said the institution had incurred heavy loses adding that the rain fell when pupils had gone for lunch.
"No one was injured and we thank God but the damage is huge. Nevertheless Standard Eight candidates will not be affected," he said.
At Olla Bule, Tadicha said heavy winds blew off rooftops of more than 100 houses, with 23 being heavily damaged.
"My permanent house is destroyed. We sought refuge elsewhere last night," said Saida Ahmed a resident. Garba Tula MCA Abdi Sora asked residents of Gafarsa, Malkadaka, Muchuro and Kombola, all located on the lower section of the river, to move to higher ground.
"If the river has burst its banks at the game park, it means in a day or two the same will happen in places like Gafarsa," Mr Sora said.