Families Stranded as Voi River Bursts its Banks

The Kenya Redcross team has confirmed that Voi River burst its banks early Monday, December 4 morning.  

In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, Kenya Red Cross noted that they have already began rescue operations for families marooned by the rising waters.

The humanitarian agency also notified residents of its swift action into saving individuals stranded in the floods.

“Voi River burst its banks this morning, causing flooding in villages within Voi Town. The Kenya Red Cross is on-site, conducting search and rescue operations for families marooned by the rising waters,” stated Redcross.

In a video circulating online, Voi residents can be seen along the banks of river Voi trying to save their belongings as the water poured out covering the riverbed and banks.

Also Read: Govt Issues Update on MPs Stranded in Floods Overnight

Worth noting is that the flooding has been occasioned by the ongoing heavy downpour being experienced in the area and the country at large.

Nonetheless, residents have in the past blamed extensive sand harvesting and brickmaking along the Voi River for the floods.

Migori River Matanda Accident

Likewise, Red Cross reported a December 4 incident in Migori where a boat capsized at River Matanda 

According to the humanitarian agency five persons were rescued however, one person is still missing.

“Early this morning, a boat capsized at River Migori in Matanda. Thanks to the quick response and support from the community, five individuals were successfully rescued,” stated Redcross.

Additionally, the agency affirmed its swift actions in collaboration with the County government for continued search.

“Unfortunately, one person remains missing. The Kenya Red Cross and the County Government have mobilized additional divers for continued search and retrieval efforts,” stated Redcross.

Meanwhile, Voi River flooding comes two days after Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki assured the government is taking measures to ensure no one else dies from the flooding by warning at-risk communities well in advance.

CS Kindiki Reports on Floods

Kindiki on 2nd December announced that the government is closely monitoring the ongoing El-Nino-induced rains and the rising water levels in Masinga, Kamburu, Kindaruma, Gitaru and Kiambere Dams.

On the other hand, the CS while making his remarks stated that over 50,000 people will be affected if the five dams across five counties will spill water due to the ongoing El Nino rains.

Areas to be Affected by Floods

He revealed that should the water spill, 3,000 lives in Embu, 2,000 in Tharaka Nithi, 25,000 in Kitui, 30,000 in Garissa and others in Machakos will be affected.

Also Read: Two KRA Officials Swept by Floods

Kindiki was speaking after he led senior government officials in an assessment of flood risk as a result of the spilling over of the seven Forks dams.

“However, with real-time monitoring using scientific mechanisms, dams’ visual inspection and instrumental readings and analysis, emergency preparedness and response measures have been put in place, to save lives and evacuate to safety,” said Kindiki.