This archive report was first published on 18 April 2020.
Published on April 18, 2020, a devastating flood hit West Pokot County, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Chesogon market, a number of schools, and homes were submerged by raging floods after heavy rains pounded the area.
According to Mr. Simiyu Were, the Pokot Central Sub-County deputy commissioner, the Chesogon police post, the market, several schools, and homes were affected, with some police officers trapped in the floods.
Speaking to The Standard, Were explained that they were on their way to rescue some of the people but were unable to access the area due to the lack of a bridge connecting the area.
"The Chepera bridge was swept away last year," he said. "We reached River Chepera on our way to Chesogon but we could not cross the river because it is full. People have been locked up on the other side of Lomut ward," he added.
Were further stated that police officers called for rescue but there was no means to reach the place, emphasizing that a chopper was the only means that could rescue the people.
One of the residents, Samson Lopolian, reported that the heavy rains started at about 3.00 pm, leading to the submersion of the Chesogon market, Cheptulel Boys Secondary School, and the Teachers training college.
"Some of the people were at the shopping centre. We don't know their fate as at now," he said.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello stated that his team could not reach the officers attached to Chesegon market, and that the county emergency rescue committee had been activated.
