Seven people who were among the tens of individuals swept away by raging floods while attempting to cross the flooded Muswii River, in Makueni County have been rescued.
While confirming the latest, the Kenya Red Cross said the seven have been rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for treatment and that rescue operations are currently ongoing.
“7 individuals rescued, promptly taken to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital following the incident. Our response efforts remain ongoing,” a statement by the Kenya Red Cross reads in parts.
The rescued victims were among the tens swept away aboard a lorry as they tried to cross the flooded river.
The river flooded after bursting its banks causing traffic disruption along the Kasikeu-Sultan Hamud Road.
A clip of the lorry captured the victims seated on top of it in hopes that they would make it through the waters.
Unfortunately, the lorry slid into the deep end of the river before it was swept away with the passengers aboard.
Relentlessly, the victims attempted to wade through the raging waters but were swept away.
Responding to the incident, the Makueni county government stated that an emergency response team had been dispatched to rescue the victims.
The county also urged the public to be careful whenever crossing such rivers during the rainy seasons to prevent similar incidents.
“The department immediately activated emergency response systems to rescue those trapped in the lorry and others taking cover on trees marooned by the waters. We urge the public to be careful when crossing swollen rivers during this rainy season,” a statement by the county said.
