Seventeen families in Kochia, Rangwe, Homa Bay County, were left without shelter after a powerful windstorm swept through the area on Sunday night, following intense rainfall. Many residents were forced to spend the night outdoors, while others sought refuge in neighboring homes after the strong winds ripped off the roofs of their houses.
The villages most affected by the storm include Nyarut, Kombogo, and Lower Kowili. Area Chief Eucabeth Obila confirmed that more than 17 homes had been severely damaged, leaving families in distress. In addition to the destruction of residences, household belongings worth an unknown amount were lost, compounding the hardship of affected families.
“The storm struck with such intensity that it tore off roofs, leaving people scrambling to salvage their possessions,” said Mrs. Obila. “The damage is extensive, affecting not just homes but also community structures.”
Among the damaged structures were three churches, which were also destroyed by the fierce winds. The extent of the devastation to these religious institutions highlights the storm’s severity and its widespread effect on the local community.
The windstorm also devastated several farms, destroying crops that residents had depended on for food and income. Floodwaters swept through the area, worsening the situation by washing away young plants and leaving fields submerged.
Mrs. Obila has urged the State Department of Disaster Management to provide immediate assistance to the affected families. She emphasized the need for emergency relief, including shelter, food, and clothing for those who lost their homes and belongings.
“The government and well-wishers should step in and offer immediate help to these families. They urgently need basic necessities as they begin to rebuild their lives,” she appealed.
This disaster highlights the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather conditions. It also underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and response measures to minimize the impact of future storms. As affected families struggle to recover, swift intervention from government agencies and humanitarian organizations will be critical in aiding their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
