Floods wreak havoc across the country

Photo|Courtesy: Families displaced as heavy rains cause havoc in Nyando, Kisumu Central and Nyakach in Kisumu County

Kenyans should expect more rainfall throughout the week, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned. So far some areas have already reported massive destruction from landslides and floods that have been caused by the heavy rainfall. Some of these areas include:

West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties

Flash floods and mudslides were reported at Chesogon market that is located along West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties border. The mudslides were triggered by heavy rainfall. 15 lives have been lost and 22 people reported missing. The mud slide marooned everything, the once vibrant market is now a shadow of its old self. Chesogon area is currently inaccessible.

West Pokot is among the areas that has been seriously affected by heavy rainfall, in November and December 2019 over 40 people lost their lives from massive landslides that hit the area.

A house destroyed by mudslide that hit Chesegon village at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties. [Kevin Tunoi, Standard]

Kericho County

Three people have lost their lives, two being minors to mudslides that hit at least three wards in Kipkelion West Constituency, Kericho County. Tens of people in Kunyak, Chilchila and Kamasian have since been displaced and their houses destroyed following heavy rain that lasted at least six hours.

Red Cross officials are currently scanning the areas around Kapkese, Kamiwa, Rwandet, Timbilil and Kipteden village to determine the extent of the damage.

Kisumu County

River Nyando has burst its banks due to heavy rainfall and has displaced and rendered hundreds of the residents homeless in Nyando Sub County. This is not the first time as this region is susceptible to floods because of its flat lands. Nyando residents were only recovering from the havoc that hit them in December 2019 after River Nyando burst its banks causing great loss.

Red Cross through their twitter account have reported that families have been displaced and the heavy rains have caused havoc in Nyando, Kisumu Central and Nyakach. They are conducting a needs assessment, however progress is being delayed by the flooded roads.

Busia County

Several families have been displaced in various areas in Budalangi Constituency in Busia County. This was after they were forced to evacuate their homes and seek safer grounds after they were flooded from the overflow of water from River Nzoia. According to the residents the floods have washed away their food and animals.

The weatherman has listed areas that are likely to be affected by floods and that the concerned should seek shelter in higher grounds. Areas likely to be worst hit include: Kwale, Kilifi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Mombasa, Lamu, Tana-River, Taita Taveta, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Narok, Nyandarua, Murang’a, and Embu among other counties.

The Director of Kenya Meteorological Department Stella Aura, has advised residents to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields. She further added that people should not seek shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.