Heavy rains continue to cause havoc

Written By:Diana Okemwa,    Posted: Sun, Dec 30, 2012

500 people have so far been relocated from Kerio Valley and are currently camping at several primary schools in the area. Heavy rains experienced in several parts of the country continue to wreak havoc claiming lives and destroying property.  Rescue operations are still on at the Keiyo Valley where so far 11 people have been confirmed dead following mudslides that rocked the area Saturday morning. According to the Kenya Red Cross Emergency Operations officer Nicholus Thuo, the organization is providing relief support and non-food items to the affected families. He said Red Cross is also working with local authorities' to sensitize the residents to evacuate areas prone to landslides to avoid loss of life. However, Thuo said the terrain remains a challenge to the rescue mission as heavy rains continue to pound the area. Eight children and three adults were among those who were confirmed dead. In Kabur village, an elderly woman together with three of her grandchildren died while three other children died in Kobechee village. Two children also died in Sogom village bringing the total to eight children while a woman and two men lost their lives in the overnight disaster. Thuo also said the organization is responding to yet another disaster after River Nyando in West Kenya Region broke its banks. He noted that the river burst its banks on the upper side displacing at least 70 families which have so far been evacuated to Osendi and Ombeyi Primary schools in the area.