Over 100 displaced by flash floods in Mbale

By Francis Ontomwa

Vihiga, Kenya: More than 100 people have been displaced following heavy rains at Idavaga village, Mbale area in Vihiga County.

Schoolgoing children were yesterday marooned in their homes as crops and livestock were destroyed.

Area leaders said the havoc witnessed could have been avoided had long-lasting solutions been established. “The last time we saw this kind of situation was back in 2001. The Government has not been serious about this problem and now we are caught in the same web,” lamented Mariam Azuberi one of those affected.

Well-wishers have joined in the support of affected families and most residents are now living in fear of waterborne diseases. At the home of Philemon Kedogo, The Standard team found an elderly sick man who had been marooned in his house and neighbours trying to assist him get to hospital.

“He has been in the house since yesterday and no one has come to help him because it is not easy to reach here,” said a neighbour.

Vihiga County Calamities and Disaster Committee vice chairman Steven Mugalisi and area county representative Wilberforce Kitiezo promised to help the victims.