Five people have been rescued in the wake of heavy rains in Konkona, Tana Delta, Tana River County.
According to a statement released by the Kenya Red Cross on Sunday, April 14, rescue operations swung into action following a distress call from the area.
The organization said three more families were stranded in the floodwaters.
“So far, five people have been rescued, including an old man. Additionally, three more households are marooned. Operations to rescue the remaining households are ongoing,” the statement read.
So far, five people have been rescued, including an old man.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 14, 2024
Additionally, three more households have been found to be marooned.
Operations to rescue the remaining households are ongoing. https://t.co/u9NpT2fuvZ pic.twitter.com/6QPp3rJUqQ
Tana River flooding
Just a week ago, there was another incident where passengers got stuck in a bus due to heavy rains in Arer near Tulla Village, located in Tana River County.
“Kenya Red Cross first responders in collaboration with community members are currently engaged in a challenging rescue operation to save the lives of several people stranded aboard a bus that has been marooned by raging waters at Arer near Tulla village, Tana River County,” a statement by the humanitarian agency read.
“The incident occurred following a heavy downpour. We have dispatched two rescue boats to ensure a swift and effective response.”
Kenya Red Cross was notified after a member of the public called police for help.
Police said the bus ferrying 49 passengers was headed to Nairobi from Garissa.
“The bus, driven by one Hassan Turbo, was travelling from Wajir heading towards Nairobi via Garissa with 49 passengers on board and upon reaching within Chuma Mrefu area while attempting to cross a flooded section of the road following a heavy downpour, the bus slipped out of the road and got stuck into a ditch,” the police report read in parts.
The police reported that the bus was carried away by the floodwaters and became lodged off the highway.
According to an update from the Kenya Red Cross, the rescue operation focused on saving women, children, and individuals with health issues before attending to others.
“All passengers aboard the bus have now been rescued, with priority initially given to women, children, and those who were sick. However, our efforts are ongoing as we continue to rescue other commuters who were stranded due to the road being cut off at Arer near Tulla Bridge, Tana River County,” Kenya Red Cross said.
