This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
Heavy rains in Western Kenya have caused widespread flooding, resulting in at least seven deaths and displacing over 57,000 people. The floods have been particularly devastating in Budalang'i Constituency, where evacuation efforts are ongoing.
According to Western Regional Commissioner Anne Ng'etich, over 42,527 people have been displaced in Busia County, followed by Bungoma with 11,882 people. Kakamega and Vihiga counties have so far recorded 3,290 and two cases, respectively.
Ms Ng'etich stated that Budalang'i Constituency is the worst hit by the floods, with the backflow of Lake Victoria water causing the flooding. She added that evacuation efforts are ongoing, with eight lorries and three motorboats deployed to assist with the evacuation.
Elsewhere, a delegation of government officials, including Governor John Lonyangapuo and Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Aisha Mohammed, were stuck for hours as heavy rains pounded West Pokot County. They were heading to Nyarkulian area in Pokot South Sub-county to resettle families affected by floods and landslides in November last year.
Additionally, in Usonga ward, Alego Usonga Sub-county, over 2,000 residents displaced by floods after River Nzoia burst its banks will receive free health care from the Siaya County government. The county government has set up medical clinics in the camps where the displaced residents are currently living.
Furthermore, in Murang'a, several roads have been rendered impassable by the rains, with mudslides caused by heavy rains on Wednesday night. In Meru, residents of Muthara in Tigania East are unable to access Muthara Police Station, as heavy rains have rendered the road leading to the station impassable.
Published on May 8, 2020.
