Two individuals are missing following a tragic flood-related incident in Isiolo on Friday evening, where a vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge.
The incident occurred at the KMC Bridge near a police station in Isiolo town. The vehicle, owned by Isiolo MCA David Lemantile, was en route from Kipsing to Isiolo and had three people on board: the driver Paul Gitonga, Rajuel Lemantile, 23, and Boniface Muriungi, 22.
According to Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri, the vehicle was overwhelmed by strong floodwaters as it crossed the submerged bridge. “Boniface managed to escape through the window and was unhurt. The other two are still missing, and a search is ongoing,” Muchiri stated.
Authorities have since visited the scene and found the vehicle approximately two kilometres downstream from where it was swept away. It was recovered in a severely damaged state.
Elsewhere in Isiolo, flooding wreaked havoc in Safi Estate, where several residents were trapped inside their homes. Emergency response teams were deployed and successfully rescued and evacuated the affected residents to safer locations.
A comprehensive assessment is currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the flash floods, including the number of livestock lost and property destroyed.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains will continue over the weekend across the northeastern counties, including Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley.
Counties expected to experience significant rainfall include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
Emergency response teams remain on high alert as the rains persist, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads and bridges.
