Kisumu County is reeling from the devastating effects of heavy rains that led to the bursting of River Sondu Miriu’s banks, displacing over 300 families in Nyadina village, Nyakach. The catastrophic flooding, which occurred on Monday, has left a trail of destruction, with homes submerged, crops destroyed, and livestock swept away by the raging waters.
Residents of Nyadina village are grappling with the aftermath of the flood, which has turned their once-thriving community into a waterlogged disaster zone. Roads and pathways, which were once accessible, have now been engulfed by the rising water levels, leaving many villagers stranded in their homes. The situation has become dire, as residents find themselves without essential resources and basic services.
Many families have seen their livelihoods washed away, particularly the agricultural sector, which has been the cornerstone of the village’s economy. Reports indicate that over 500 acres of crops, including beans and maize, have been destroyed by the floodwaters. Ruth Otieno, a resident of Nyadina, expressed the heartbreak of losing her harvest: “Mashamba zimeharibika huku maharagwe zangu zimeharibika. Mwezi wa kwanza watoto wanafaa kuenda shule nashangaa hata watoto wataenda aje juu hii ndio nilikuwa nategemea,” she lamented. This speaks to the deep economic impact the flood has had on the community, with many families now uncertain about their ability to feed their children and meet other basic needs.
The floodwaters have also caused significant damage to the village’s infrastructure. With boats floating above once-passable roads, the villagers have been forced to rely on boat transport to navigate the area. For those unable to afford boats, they are forced to wade through the murky, stagnant waters, making daily activities increasingly difficult and dangerous.
The destruction of livestock has compounded the hardship. Alfred Njoga, another resident, shared the devastating news that his livestock, including cattle and poultry, had been swept away by the flooding. “Ng’ombe imeenda yote na maji…kuku na masufuria pia,” he said. The loss of livestock means not only a loss of income for many families but also a loss of food security, with many left without a reliable source of nutrition or income.
Additionally, the flood has created significant health risks for the community. Water sources have become contaminated, and the stagnant floodwaters pose a serious threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. The threat of malaria and waterborne diseases is high, and residents are deeply concerned about the long-term health implications. “Ugonjwa ya hapa ni mingi. Hawa watu wanahara seriously wanateseka,” Njoga added, highlighting the growing concerns over the potential spread of disease in the aftermath of the disaster.
Access to medical care has also become a major challenge, as the local healthcare facilities are overwhelmed and resources are scarce. “Na hospitali tunaenda tu ng’ambo. Hatuwezi pata dawa. Sasa hawa wenye tuliwapigia kura kwa wingi wakati wa campaign wakuje waone wenye waliwapigia kura,” Roselyne Akoth, a resident, said in frustration. The villagers are calling on local authorities to intervene, not just by providing immediate relief, but also by addressing the root causes of the flooding, including the construction of dykes along the river to protect the community from future floods.
The residents of Nyadina have been left feeling abandoned and neglected. They are pleading for government intervention, urging officials to recognize the severity of the situation and provide both immediate and long-term solutions. In particular, they are asking for the construction of protective barriers, such as dykes, to prevent the River Sondu Miriu from bursting its banks again and devastating the community in the future.
As the floodwaters slowly recede, the recovery process will be long and challenging. The damage to the local economy, health risks, and displacement of families will require concerted efforts from the government, humanitarian organizations, and the community itself to rebuild. For now, the residents of Nyadina wait for help, hoping that their cries for aid will be answered before the situation becomes even more dire.
