Ahero town in Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, has been devastated by floods after River Nyando burst its banks in the early hours of Friday morning, following a night of heavy rainfall. The flooding, which began around 3 a.m., has displaced hundreds of families, leaving them seeking refuge in makeshift camps along the roadsides. As the floodwaters continue to rise, the situation remains dire for residents of Ahero, particularly in the villages of Kondhiro, Oketha, Kamadumbi, and Kochola in Tura Sub-location.
Rising Water Levels and Displacement
Nyando Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Elijah Maranga confirmed that approximately 350 households have been affected by the floods, with the number expected to rise as the floodwaters spread across the region. Many families have fled their homes in the dead of the night, leaving behind possessions as they sought higher ground in fear of further inundation. The displaced families have gathered by the roadside, awaiting humanitarian assistance, with some having to endure the harsh elements as they wait for help.
“The situation is severe. We are closely monitoring the situation, and the number of displaced people is expected to increase,” DCC Maranga stated. He also emphasized that the national government, in collaboration with Kisumu County authorities, is coordinating efforts to provide relief to the affected residents.
Humanitarian Response and Ongoing Assessments
George Opidi, the Kisumu County Red Cross Coordinator, reported that the Kenya Red Cross, alongside other humanitarian organizations, has mobilized teams to conduct rapid assessments in the affected areas. The assessment is crucial for guiding the immediate relief efforts, including providing food, clean water, and shelter to the displaced families.
“The Kenya Red Cross Society Action Team is working tirelessly with other stakeholders to assess the situation and deliver emergency aid,” Opidi explained. The organization is also working to set up temporary shelters for the displaced families to ensure their safety and well-being.
Ahero Bridge and Transportation Concerns
While the rising floodwaters have caused significant disruption, the Ahero Bridge, located along the Kisumu-Nairobi highway, remains open, with traffic flowing smoothly. According to DCC Maranga, vehicles and pedestrians are still able to use the bridge without interruption. However, authorities are concerned that continued rainfall could further elevate water levels in River Nyando, threatening to submerge the bridge.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. The Ahero Bridge is still passable, but if the rains continue, we may face overflow that could disrupt traffic and pose safety risks,” Maranga warned. He advised residents living near the riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, urging them to move to higher ground to avoid potential loss of life and property damage.
A National Crisis: Impact of the Long Rain Season
This flooding is part of a larger crisis across the country, as the ongoing long rainy season, which began in March, continues to cause havoc in various regions. Government reports indicate that over 200 people have lost their lives due to floods, with more than 40,000 individuals displaced. Additionally, more than 200,000 people have been affected by the rains and flooding, which have disrupted normal life and left many in desperate need of assistance.
In response to this widespread disaster, the national government, in collaboration with local officials, humanitarian agencies, and the Kenya Red Cross, is intensifying its efforts to provide aid to the affected communities. Relief supplies, including food, water, and medical assistance, are being distributed, while temporary shelters are being established in flood-prone regions to house those displaced by the floods.
Safety Warnings and Relocation Efforts
As the heavy rains persist, authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to heed the warnings and relocate to safer grounds. With the rainy season expected to continue, there are fears that the flooding could worsen, leading to more displacement and loss of life.
“The priority right now is to ensure the safety of the residents. We urge them to move to higher ground and take necessary precautions to avoid being caught by the floods,” DCC Maranga advised. Authorities have also been providing information on evacuation routes and safe zones to help those at risk of flooding.
The floods in Ahero and across the country are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by climate change and extreme weather events. As the government and humanitarian agencies work to mitigate the impact of the floods, the people of Ahero and other affected areas continue to face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives amidst the ongoing crisis.
