By Kato Jamil
Thousands of residents have been displaced after heavy rains upstream of River Nyando in Kenya caused severe flooding in downstream areas.
The rains caused an overflow at Ahero Bridge on the Kisumu-Nairobi highway, submerging homes, businesses, farmland and critical infrastructure. Many families were left stranded and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
In Ahero town, panic gripped residents as rising waters forced them to flee their homes and camp by the road with their belongings after their homes were engulfed by floodwaters.
Businesses also suffered devastating losses, while the Ahero Girls School was completely submerged after River Nyando burst its banks.
The flooding caused widespread disruption of activities with residents expressing fears that the situation could worsen as the rains continue.
Mark Ochieng said the flooding was the second in recent times and called on the national and county governments to find a lasting solution.
“Rice farmers who stored their produce at the busy Ahero market have lost their produce which was swept downstream,” said Mr Omondi.
Kakola Ombaka Sub Chief Neto Awich said at least 78 households have been displaced in the flood-prone Kakola Location.
Mr Awich said people had been leaving their homes since Friday night after River Nyando burst its banks.
By Saturday morning, 200 acres of land had been swallowed by the raging waters. The Sub Chief also said that 200 poultry had been swept downstream.
“The displaced individuals are currently seeking refuge at homesteads of their neighbours and relatives on higher ground,” said Mr Awich.
In Kisumu, City Manager Abala Wanga launched a comprehensive response to the perennial flooding that has affected Kapuothe and Alewra regions after River Nyamasaria burst its bank.
He invited the affected residents to a temporary camp set up at St Vitalis Nanga Primary School.
“The county disaster team is stationed at the site, offering essential supplies, including medicine, food and blankets. An appeal has also been issued for additional blankets and mattresses to support the displaced families,” he said.
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