This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Heavy rains have brought widespread destruction to Western Kenya, claiming at least seven lives in the last 24 hours and displacing thousands of families.
According to the Western Regional Commissioner, Anne Ng'etich, the floods have affected Bungoma and Busia counties the most, with over 42,527 people displaced in Busia and 11,882 in Bungoma.
Ms. Ng'etich noted that the flooding in Budalang'i constituency was caused by the backflow of water in Lake Victoria, which has marooned over 150 families in their homes.
She warned that people living in waterways, especially along River Nzoia, Malakisi River, Lusumu, Yala, Kipsangui River, and Malaba River, and on the shores of Lake Victoria, are at high risk and should leave immediately to move to safer grounds.
Ms. Ng'etich added that the government will embark on distributing food stuffs and non-food items to the victims, as well as facemasks, soap, and hand sanitisers to curb the spread of Covid-19 disease in the camps.
Meanwhile, Bungoma County Meteorological Director, Noah Eledi, warned that the ongoing rainfall is above normal, with rainfall intensity expected to increase to 40mm in Western Kenya, accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.
