Thousands of families have been displaced after River Nyando burst its banks for the second time this year as rainfall continues pounding several parts of the country.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the river burst its bank early morning of Friday, November 29, 2024, submerging homes in the villages of Kamidumbi and Panadol in Ahero, Kisumu County.
The affected families are now seeking refuge along the highway as they wait for support from the Kenya Red Cross Action Team in collaboration with the National and County Governments.
“Early this morning, River Nyando burst its banks, displacing families from Kamidumbi and Panadol in Ahero, Kisumu County, who are now seeking refuge along the highway.
“The Kenya Red Cross Action Team, in collaboration with the National and County Governments, is on the ground conducting assessments to guide our response and support the affected communities,” Kenya Red Cross reported.
River Nyando burst
On May 5, 2024, several families in Kobura village were left homeless after the River Nyando broke its banks.
Kenya Red Cross, which initiated a rescue effort, estimated that at least 20 families in the village were in distress.
Apart from homes, several shops and public institutions including Ahero Girls’ Secondary School, Ahero County Club, Mosque and a police station were submerged in water.
In a statement, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o attributed the flood crisis in the county to the backflow from Lake Victoria.
“The Flood crisis in Kisumu county has worsened after River Nyando burst its banks causing extensive damage to homes, urban centres, public institutions and infrastructure. The situation has been worsened by the increasing backflow from Lake Victoria,” Nyong’o stated at the time.
Early this morning, River Nyando burst its banks, displacing families from Kamidumbi and Panadol in Ahero, Kisumu County, who are now seeking refuge along the highway.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) November 29, 2024
The Kenya Red Cross Action Team, in collaboration with the National and County Government, is on the ground… pic.twitter.com/LXy3kD6pCN
Weather outlook
According to the Kenya Metrological Department, rainfall is expected to continue over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, the Coast, North-western and North-eastern Kenya.
Counties affected include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot.
“Isolated heavy rainfall events are likely to occur over some parts of these regions during the first half of the forecast period,” Kenya Met stated.
