Heavy Rains Claim 12 Lives in Nyanza and Western Regions

Western and Nyanza regions are facing devastating consequences as heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc, resulting in the loss of at least 12 lives and the displacement of numerous families.

Migori is currently grappling with a dire situation as separate incidents have led to the unfortunate drowning of nine individuals within only two weeks in the Uriri and Nyatike constituencies. The effects of these rising floods, however, extend beyond the boundaries of Migori, simultaneously leaving villages in Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, and Homa Bay counties in dire straits as well. Many areas are rendered inaccessible due to roads that have been destroyed by the floodwaters. According to county officials, approximately 750 households have been displaced, and the destruction caused by the rains has led to the collapse of footbridges and roads.

Yet more tragedy struck Thim Jope, Uriri constituency when another body was discovered in the wake of severe flooding caused by the overage of the Oyani River. The devastation has gripped the entirety of the Western region, where three additional deaths have occurred as several rivers crest their banks. Flash floods are currently wreaking havoc in multiple areas, submerging three wards in the Bunyala sub-county alone and triggering an exodus of thousands of households. Similarly, in Khwisero sub-county, the overflow of River Yala has caused significant damage to farms, displacing at least 50 households.

The looming threat of displacement hangs over Budalang'i, as the rising water levels in River Nzoia, River Malakisi, River Lusumu, and River Lwakhakha may compel more than 250 families, who have been residing in a camp since 2020, to seek alternative shelter. In Homa Bay, the deluge is also wreaking havoc, affecting over 700 individuals after the Yongo Dam in Suba sub-county breached its banks on Saturday. Yongo, Opuch, and Bonde villages now confront an uncertain future. Distressed residents are reaching out for assistance and appealing to the government, humanitarian organizations, and compassionate individuals to step in and avert further catastrophe.

Residents such as Sospeter Obino are dealing with the repercussions of their homes being flooded by the overflow from a broken dam. He implores any kind-hearted individual to lend assistance and save them from the dire conditions. Sub-Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring assures the affected communities that government officials are currently assessing the impacted areas.

In Kisii, more than 60 families have taken refuge at Nyasasa Primary School as their homes developed cracks due to the heavy rainfall in Nyasasa village, South Mugirango constituency. Deputy Speaker of the Kisii County Assembly, Jacob Bagaka, says that funds have been set aside from the emergency fund to address the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, in Kisumu's Nyalenda B estate, Judith Otieno, a widow, shares her distress as her home succumbs to the rising floodwaters. This unfortunate situation has left her with no choice but to seek shelter at a friend's residence.