Over 600 individuals found themselves engulfed by floodwaters in residences, commercial establishments, and along thoroughfares following the overflow of the River Nyando this past Sunday.
The inundation of Ahero Bridge has severely disrupted transportation routes connecting Kisumu to Nairobi, Kisii, Homa Bay, and Migori.
In Ombeyi, seven villages have succumbed to the deluge, with the bridge near Homa Lime in Muhoroni Sub-County being washed away.
Floodwaters have besieged key establishments such as Ahero Police Station, Ahero Girls High School, Ahero Sub-County Hospital, and Ahero Market, with the situation worsened by the rising backflow from Lake Victoria.
Numerous roads across Muhoroni, Nyakach, Nyando, and Kadibo sub-counties have become impassable, impeding rescue operations. Responding to the crisis, teams from the Kenya Coast Guard and Kenya Red Cross have mobilized to provide assistance to affected families.
Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu County has urgently appealed to the national government for aerial support to evacuate stranded individuals from flooded homes.
“We’ve reached out to state agencies equipped with helicopters, including the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), seeking their intervention in the rescue efforts,” stated Nyong’o.
Furthermore, the county administration is arranging for the procurement of boats to facilitate the relocation of those marooned by the floods to safer areas.
Nyong’o emphasized the necessity for residents residing near the Nyando and Miriu rivers to relocate to higher ground as the ongoing precipitation is anticipated to exacerbate river swelling.
He disclosed that the county government had already disbursed relief aid worth Kes 4.8 million to over 15,000 displaced individuals, with plans underway to extend assistance to more affected populations.
Medical outreach programs are also being planned to provide support to families grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
The governor issued a call to philanthropic individuals and organizations to contribute food and non-food essentials to alleviate the plight of the displaced.
“We urge those willing to offer their support to visit our collection center at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu,” Nyong’o added.
