More than 120 households have been displaced after River Nyando in Kisumu County burst its banks following heavy rains in the region and upstream.
Residents claimed that the rising water levels quickly submerged homes, destroyed property and crops in the farms forcing them to flee to safer grounds.
The affected families are currently camping at the Nyando Assistant County Commissioner’s (ACC’s) Compound in Ahero, Education Hall and at the Ahero Catholic Pastoral center.
By Monday morning, the floods had paralyzed learning in the region with several schools reporting flooded classrooms and impassable roads.
At Ahero Girls, the floodwaters cut off the main entrance making the institution and other nearby facilities inaccessible. In the neighboring school, St. Annes Ahero Primary, learners were sent back home as the institution was marooned by the flood.
Displaced families are appealing for humanitarian support including food supplies, clean water, mosquito nets and blankets.
Nyando Deputy Commissioner Elijah Maranga, noted that the overflow of water from River Nyando has affected Kakola, Onjiko and Kochogo Locations.
“Residents of Okanja, Kamidumbi and Panadol of Tura Sub-location are greatly impacted by the spillover of water from River Nyando,” Maranga said.
Preliminary assessment conducted by the Kisumu County Disaster Management Committee also reveals that the backflow on the low-lying areas have submerged homes in Kakola Ombaka Sub-Location.
Sustained rains in the highlands have caused the Awach, Agala, Nyalbiego, Chamrogi, Nyaidho streams to slightly overflow, raising concerns about a possible risk of flooding.
Maranga reported that approximately 220 hectares of farmland in parts of Ayweyo, Magina and Kakola Ombaka Sub locations within Wawidhi and Kakola Locations have been adversely affected, particularly in areas bordering the River Nyando dyke.
He urged the residents to stay vigilant, closely monitor the rising water levels and relocate to safer ground as early as possible in case of flooding.
“Caution needs to be taken as River Nyando is increasingly swelling in various parts. However, in Magina Sub location, overflow is still within the dykes and hence has not spilled over to human settlement,” the DCC said.
In Nyakach Sub-County, at least 752 households have also been displaced after River Awach burst its banks on Sunday.
Head of West Kenya Region, Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), Maurice Anyango said that some 240 individuals from Nyakwere area in North Nyakach have been affected by the ongoing flooding.
“KRCS has offered essential household items to 300 affected households in Central, North and West Nyakach,” Anyango said as he pledged that KRCS team remain on the ground to deliver critical support when needed.
He said 243 displaced households are currently sheltering in the 15 relief camps across the region while more than 500 others have been accommodated by relatives and members of the community.
Director Disaster Risk Management and Special Programmes, Kisumu County, Dr Samwel Oron said the emergency response teams, including County Disaster officials, the Kenya Red Cross, Coast Guards, and the Fire Brigade team have been deployed to assess the situation and rescue individuals marooned in the houses.
“We are also collaborating with other stakeholders to provide food and essential relief supplies for families affected and displaced by the floods,” Dr Oron said.
By Robert Ojwang
