Kisumu County Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has issued an update regarding the ongoing flood crisis triggered by the overflow of River Nyando.
Through a coordinated effort with the National Government’s Multi-Agency Committee, the County Government of Kisumu has announced mitigation efforts to cushion residents from the adverse flood effects.
Firstly, Governor Nyong’o noted the county has forged a close partnership with the National Government through their Multi-Agency committee, with extension to the Coast Guard and the Kenya Red Cross Society for their prompt response in Ahero.
Secondly, he noted that arrangements are underway to hire boats that will aid in ferrying affected households to evacuation centers.
“In addition to the Ksh 4.8 million worth of food and non-food items, we are intensifying our efforts to provide additional support to affected families,” read a statement by the Kisumu County governor.
Governor Requests for Help and Details Flood Interventions
In parallel, Kisumu County has appealed to state departments equipped with helicopters, such as the KDF, Kenya Wildlife Services, and Kenya Forest Service, to intervene in rescue operations.
According to Governor Nyong’o, the utilization of aerial resources is crucial in reaching inaccessible areas and evacuating stranded individuals.
“We have appealed to the state departments with helicopters including the KDF, Kenya Wildlife Services, and Kenya Forest Service to intervene and help us rescue the affected people,” he said.
Additionally, a medical camp has been established at Bunde Dispensary, with plans for further camps to address the healthcare needs of flood-affected individuals.
The governor extended appreciation to all partners and organizations that had generously contributed their resources and support to the relief efforts.
“We sincerely thank our partners who have spent resources in helping the victims.” said Governor Nyong’o.
Also Read: Homes Submerged & Major Road Flooded After River Nyando Broke its Banks
In a bid to mitigate further risk and safeguard lives, Governor Nyong’o issued an appeal to residents living along the banks of Miriu and other rivers, as well as those residing near Lake Victoria, urging them to seek refuge on higher ground.
“We appeal to People living along Miriu and other rivers and near Lake Victoria to leave and seek refuge on higher ground,” he stated.
For individuals and organizations willing to extend a helping hand, Governor Nyong’o has designated the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu as a central collection center for donations of both food and non-food items.
Damage Caused by Ongoing River Nyando Floods
The damage caused by the massive flooding is extensive, with over 600 people stranded in various locations in Kisumu, including their homes, businesses, health facilities, and roads.
Additionally, the flooding has disrupted transportation, particularly with the flooding of the Ahero bridge, a critical link on the Kisumu-Nairobi-Kisii-Homa Bay and Migori route.
Also Read: Kenya’s Devastating Floods Expose Decades of Poor Urban Planning and Bad Land Management
Ahero Town, along with several health facilities such as the Ahero Sub-County Hospital, has been severely affected, with wards and offices submerged in water.
Moreover, seven villages in Ombeyi location are entirely underwater, and the collapse of the Homa lime bridge in Muhoroni Sub-County has further compounded the crisis.
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