Seven dead, scores displaced in floods

Seven people among them three minors were killed by floods on Monday night at Kambi Muindi in Gilgil sub-county after an intense downpour in the area.

Several houses were swept away by the floods with over 40 families displaced and others reported missing by yesterday. 

Joseph Nyamara, a resident, said the incident occurred at around 7pm as families were preparing to sleep, killing the seven and burying others in mud.

Nyamara said that the area had received minimal rainfall though it had rained heavily at Eburu Forest hills.“Some of us managed to escape from the gushing waters but our neighbours were not lucky and were washed away,” said Nyamara.

Another resident John Pakiteli said it was the first time for such an incident to happen, revealing that the county was swift in their response.  “We need more assistance since this is a humanitarian crisis, the affected families, and survivors have to be taken care of.”

Jackline Wambui added, “We are not sure whether we will survive today’s rains, we have been told to move to safer grounds but all our properties have been swept away.”

Confirming the incident, Gilgil OCPD Francis Tumbo said that the bodies of the four women and three minors had been taken to Gilgil mortuary. “Due to the heavy rains on Monday there was little that we could do and the search and rescue operation had to wait until morning,” he said.

Tumbo added that some of the affected areas were still inaccessible as roads had been cut off by the floods.“Heavy rains on Monday night left seven people dead and unknown numbers are missing and we are working with area residents in the search and rescue operations,” he said.

Dispatched team

Nakuru County Chief Officer for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Joyce Cheche said the county has dispatched a team to sink waterways to avoid further incidences. According to her, those affected will be given some facilitation to allow them continue with their lives.

“At the same time, we need to be careful and move to safer grounds to avoid further disasters, rains are now here with us,” Cheche urged the community.

Meanwhile,  thousands of travellers plying the Garissa–Nuno–Modogashe–Wajir Road route were left stranded for hours after the busy road was cut off at Jilango area by floods following the heavy rains currently being experienced in the country.

Jilango Village Lagdera Sub County in Garissa County has been experiencing heavy rains since Saturday and the flat surfaced area that lacks flowing channels.