Flood waters have marooned several families in Kobura village after the River Nyando in Kisumu broke its banks.

Kenya Red Cross, which has initiated a rescue effort, estimates that at least 20 families in the village are in distress.

"Our response team, with support from the County Government of Kisumu and Kenya Coast Guard Service, is responding to families in distress in Kobura village after the River Nyando in Kisumu broke its banks. Close to 20 households are marooned," Kenya Red Cross said in a statement on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

K24 Digital understands that Ahero Bridge has been temporarily closed following the floods, paralysing transport from Kisumu to Nairobi and vice versa.

Several shops and public institutions including Ahero Girls' Secondary School, Ahero County Club, Mosque and a police station have been submerged in water.

In a statement, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o says the situation has been worsened by the backflow from Lake Victoria.

"The Flood crisis in Kisumu county has worsened after River Nyando burst its banks causing extensive damage to homes, urban centers, public institutions and infrastructure. The situation has been worsened by the increasing back flow from Lake Victoria," Nyong'o stated.

"More than 600 people are marooned in their homes, business premises, health facilities and on the roads. Ahero bridge on the busy Kisumu- Nairobi-Kisii-Homa Bay and Migori have been flooded, disrupting transport. The whole of Ahero Town is flooded. A number of Health facilities including the Ahero Sub-County Hospital has been flooded with wards and offices adversely affected."

Nyong'o says that seven villages in Ombeyi location are completely submerged in water with the bridge on Homa Lime bridge in Muhoroni Sub-County collapsing.

"Muhoroni Town is flooded. Many parts of Muhoroni and Nyakach are cut off from the rest of the county due to the floods. Many roads have been rendered impassable, making it difficult to distribute food and evacuate the victims. Kabonyo Kanyagwal, Ombaka and Sango Rota areas are adversely affected by the backflow from Lake Victoria," he added.

He says the Coast Guard and the Kenya Red Cross Society teams are already at Ahero to help in the rescue mission.

"We are making arrangements to hire boats to help in the ferry affected households to evacuation centers. In addition to the Ksh4.8 million worth of food and non-food items we distributed last week, we are making fresh efforts to distribute more food to the affected families. We have appealed to the state departments with helicopters including the KDF, Kenya Wildlife Services, Kenya Forest Service to intervene and help us rescue the effected people," Nyong'o said.

"A medical Camp has been conducted at Bunde Dispensary and more are being planned. We appeal to People living along Miriu and other rivers and near Lake Victoria to leave and seek refuge on higher ground. We appeal to well-wishers willing to donate food and non-food items to visit our collection centre at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu."

Flood-related deaths

Nine people have been reported dead due to floods in the last 24 hours, bringing the toll to 228, according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.

In a statement on Sunday, May 5, 2024, Mwaura revealed that 72 people are currently missing and a cumulative 164 people have been reported injured.

A total of 42,526 households have been displaced by floods, affecting approximately 212,630 people with 138 camps set up across 18 counties hosting 62,061 people.

According to the government, approximately 227,238 people have been impacted by the heavy rains. 1,967 schools have been affected by the floods.

Following a nationwide assessment of all dams, 192 dams have been identified to be high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (five) and Nyanza (four).

"A 24-hour evacuation notice effective May 2, 2024, was issued to settlements in 33 Counties that are within 178 of these high-risk dams and water reservoirs. The government is facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected," Mwaura added.

In the last 24 hours, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia, Nairobi, Wajir, Mandera, Bomet, Kajiado, Embu and Nyeri Counties have suffered from flooding.

Landslides and mudslides occurred in West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho and Makueni Counties.

Weather outlook

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in 37 counties including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay, Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nandi, Bomet, Narok, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo and Nairobi.

As a result of the rains, flooding is expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas and urban areas while landslides/mudslides may occur in areas with steep slopes, escarpments and ravines.