Raging floods leave trail of death and displacement

Several families across the country are counting huge losses as heavy rains leave a trail of death, displacement, and destruction.

By Thursday, at least three deaths had been confirmed as authorities raced against time to put structures in place to address the impact of the flooding.

In Narok, two people are still missing a week after a vehicle was swept away by raging floodwaters at the Mara Rianda Bridge. Search efforts are ongoing as rescue teams continue combing sections of the river.

“The heavy rains we are currently experiencing have significantly raised water levels in our rivers. We urge residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers and bridges as this puts their lives at great risk,” said Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu.

Among those affected rivers are the Enaramatishoreki bridge connecting Enaramatishoreki and Oletukat and the Kimelok bridge linking Mosiro with Majimoto and Naroosura wards.

The bridges, installed in 2015 and 2018 respectively, serve as vital transport links for residents.

In Nyanza, over 100 families have been displaced in Migori after a section of a dyke at Kabuto and Nyora in Nyatike broke. According to Lower Central Kadem Chief Philip Orwa, 50 households in Nyora are affected and 60 acres of farms flooded. In Kabuto village, 51 households are affected and 50 acres of farms are flooded.

“We are assessing the situation. If things get worse, it will mean that learning gets suspended,” said Orwa.

Some families have since sought shelter at their relatives and neighbours’ homes.

Nyatike North Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Omukoko said 40 more households have been warned to leave their homes. “Anguko, Modi Primary and Secondary schools have stagnated water,” said Omukoko.

In Homa Bay, residents have been told be prepared for heavy rains this week. “We have received a report of heavy rains between March 4 and 6. We are telling the people to take safety measures,” said co-ordinator of Kenya Red Cross Society, Samuel Omondi.

Floods have been experienced in Nyandiwa, Suba South Sub-County. Strong winds have also been experienced at Alum beach in Karachuonyo.

“As the Red Cross, we have trained community volunteers in response to disasters and there are also other measures in place.” 

Similarly, in the Mt Kenya region, residents of Maragua town in Murang'a have been forced to walk through the floods. Jane Mwangi, a trader, called on the county government to unclog the drainage system.

“Since the rains started flooding, it has been part of Maragua town, and we seek the administrators to ensure all the necessary precautions are addressed,” said Mwangi.

She asked the authority to consider channelling the water through a drainage dug more than 15 years ago to help keep the town safe from malaria.

“Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” reads the public notice issued by the Acting Director, Kenya Meteorological Department, Edward Muriuki, on Tuesday.

At the same time, in the Ruai area in Nanyuki town, residents are counting losses after their houses were flooded. “We have to put in measures to ensure the drainage systems in the estate are working,” said Felix Mwangi, who lost electronics.

After months of devastating drought and famine across the Coast, heavy rains are pounding, causing the death of one person and leaving behind a trail of destruction.

On Monday, a middle-aged man died in a 40-foot water reservoir. Police said Peter Mwakai died at Bungule village while constructing the reservoir at the farm belonging to Kasigau Ward Rep Amos Makalo.

“He was one of the two people hired by the MCA to dig a water reservoir on his farm, and while inside, one suffocated and succumbed, while the other was rescued and rushed to the nearest dispensary for treatment,” said Voi Sub-County Police Commander Fredrick Kinaibei. 

Meanwhile, dozens of people have been left homeless after their houses were destroyed in Taita Taveta. The rains have also rendered the Maungu-Kasigau road, among others, impassable.

The residents said the route is economically important due to its proximity to Tsavo West National Park and Mangare mining zones.

Elisha Kilinju said over 300 people are still spending their nights in the cold at Kulikila village in the Kasigau Location after their houses were destroyed last week.

“Houses and toilets were brought down by the heavy rains, and we fear for our lives because there could likely be an outbreak of waterborne diseases in the area if the county and national governments do not intervene urgently,” noted Kilinju.

Area Chief Francis Boisa said they are preparing data for those who have been affected. The administrator confirmed that so far 60 houses have been destroyed by the heavy rains.

Reports by Anne Atieno, George Sayagie, James Omoro, and Renson Mnyamwezi