At least twelve lives have been lost with over 750 households displaced in Western Kenya due to heavy rains. Villages in Kisii, Kisumu and Homa Bay have been submerged after River Yala in Khwisero Sub-County burst its banks.
Water levels have surged in rivers Nzoia, Malakisi, Lusumu, and Lwakhakha, threatening to displace more people in Budalangi, including families that are residing in Budalangi camp, after being displaced by floods in 2020.
Flash floods have submerged three wards in Bunyala Sub-County, destroying roads, footbridges and farms. County officials are warning that the floods which are now ravaging crops are posing a significant threat to food security and a humanitarian crisis.
More villages in Yongo, Opuch and Bonde are under threat of being submerged after Yongo Dam in Suba Sub-County breached its banks.
In Uriri and Nyatiki constituencies, Migori county, nine people lost their lives after drowning in the floods including a fisherman whose boat capsized due to heavy rains and wind.
In South Mugirango, Kisii County, more than 60 families have been displaced after their houses developed cracks due to heavy rains. The villagers were forced to seek refuge in a nearby primary school as they waited for assistance from both the County and National government.
County officials are advising residents living along major rivers to relocate to safer places and exercise extra caution to prevent disasters as they prepare for mitigation measures.