One person has died and hundreds of families have been displaced after flooding in western Kenya.
Kenya Red Cross reports that ongoing heavy rains in western Kenya have affected over 20 villages in Busia, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu.
“As we continue to tackle the COVID 19 pandemic, the March-May long rains have begun causing havoc in various places already,” the Red Cross said via Social Media. Response teams are assessing needs on the ground so as to provide support.
One of the worst hit areas is Budalang’i in Busia County. The local Member of Parliament, Raphael Wanjala , called for assistance on 28 March. Local media reported that at least 500 families in Budalang’i have been forced to move to higher ground.
Flooding has also affected other areas of western Kenya, including Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya counties, blocking roads, damaging homes and causing further displacements. According to media reports, 1 person died when he was swept away by flood waters in Rarieda, Siaya County on 28 March. Images on Social Media showed extremely high levels of the Ayweyo river in Kisumu County.
Further heavy rain is expected. In its forecast for 31 March to 06 April, 2020, Kenya Met Department warned that “heavy cumulatively rainfall above 70 mm is expected over some parts of Taita Taveta , Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale and Kitui Counties.”
Social Media
Thank you for your message Hon. Wanjala. Our team is aware of the situation and is on the ground to assess the needs for further support.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) March 28, 2020
Current situation at Nyalunya village, Rangwe Sub County in Homa Bay following heavy downpour.
The Kenya Red Cross response team is carrying out an assessment while also educating community members on how to prevent #COVID19 infection. pic.twitter.com/mAoAwt2Ua8
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) March 29, 2020
Ongoing heavy rains in West Kenya have already affected over 20 villages in Busia, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu.
The Kenya Red Cross response teams are assessing needs on the ground so as to provide support. pic.twitter.com/xgYX509BeO
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) March 28, 2020
As we continue to tackle the #COVID19 pandemic, the March-May long rains have begun causing havoc in various places already.
This is Bunyala Sub County, Busia where our team is carrying out an assessment following heavy downpour. pic.twitter.com/JVsc2ZzPH0
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) March 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/MeteoKenya/status/1244527691396722688
Heavy traffic along Ahero-Katito Road after heavy rains flooded the area and made the road impassable at Ayweyo area.
A lorry was swept by the floods.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.#KENYANTRAFFIC
VIA @Tuko_co_ke pic.twitter.com/5Feq8irpgj— KenyanTraffic (@KenyanTraffic) March 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/MeteoKenya/status/1243108064716357634
