Three bodies have been retrieved in a flooded area within Kona Punda along Garissa-Madogo Road, where a boat carrying 41 passengers capsized last evening.
The tragic incident happened at around 6:30 p.m., making it hard for the rescue team from the Kenya Red Cross, Garissa, and Tana River counties to operate as it was getting dark. They, however, managed to rescue 22 people.
The three bodies are among the 23 passengers of the ill-fated boat that had been reported missing.
Due to the closure of the affected road section connecting Madogo and Garissa, the people resorted to using boats, which were charging Sh 1500 for the short distance, which is normally charged Sh 30 by public service vehicles. At the time of the accident, the boat was reportedly overloaded with at least 45 passengers.
Police in Madogo have already condoned the area, completely restricting people from accessing the flooded area.
The Tana River has broken its banks following the heavy rains pounding most parts of the country.
The Garissa-Nairobi highway was cut off by the raging floods at Madogo, leading to a booming boat business.
By Erick Kyalo
