PHOTO | NATION A motorist drives through muddy water at Muthaiga in Nairobi. Floods continue to wreak havoc across the country.
By Saturday Nation team newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Friday, May 4 2012 at 22:00
Posted Friday, May 4 2012 at 22:00
IN SUMMARY
- Leaders ask government to airlift those stranded in far-flung areas and provide food for the displaced
Floods have displaced more than 800 families and damaged numerous schools across the country.
The floods have also destroyed dispensaries and washed away roads, leaving thousands of travellers stranded.
In Marigat, 750 families are homeless after the rains swept away their homes.
The most affected areas are Salabani, Ilng’arua and Ng’ambo locations in Baringo County.
Local leaders led by Ng’ambo ward councillor Wesley Lekakimon complained about the government’s delayed response.
“Many are now living in deplorable conditions and we fear an outbreak of water- borne diseases if the situation continues,” said Mr Lekakimon.
He said the rains had also damaged Loropil, Ng’ambo, Sintaan and Ilng’arua primary schools. Ng’ambo secondary school and a dispensary are also submerged in water.
Impassable roads
Marigat district commissioner Saul Moywaywa said that responding to the emergency was difficult as rains had rendered roads leading to the area impassable.
But leaders called on the government to airlift those stuck in far flung villages like Longeiwan, Neswo and Maasai.
In Marakwet East and Pokot Central districts, four primary schools might not open next week should the heavy rains continue.
Katilit, Boroko, Mung’wo and Cheratak primary schools are all located in landslide-prone areas, from where residents have moved and are now in safer grounds.
At the same time, hundreds of families are at the risk of contracting water-borne diseases due to flooding in Nyanza region.
“We have distributed medicines in health facilities and camps in Osodo, Ayweyo, Rachuonyo and Oreng to avert the spread of water-borne diseases,” Kenya Red Cross regional manager for western Kenya Emmanuel Owako said on Friday.
In Kirinyaga County, more than 200 acres of rice have been destroyed by floods.
The most affected areas are Marura and Kangai, where rice is grown on large-scale.
Rice farmers in the region are appealing for help as most of the crop has been destroyed.
“Rice is our cash crop and without it, we will become beggars,” said area chief Ezekiel Gathura. The floods have so far killed three people, including two girls. Most of the displaced are staying with Good Samaritans while others spend the night in the cold.
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