Ahero town in Nyando Sub County has been hit by devastating floods after River Nyando burst its banks early Friday morning.
The flooding was caused by heavy overnight rains which has displaced hundreds of families in the area, forcing residents to flee their homes following the overflow witnessed at around 3am.
Nyando Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Elijah Maranga reported that an estimated 350 households have been affected so far with the number expected to increase.
The most severely impacted villages include Kondhiro, Oketha, Kamadumbi, and Kochola in Tura Sub-location.
Speaking on the situation, Kisumu County Red Cross Coordinator George Opidi stated that displaced families are currently camping by the roadside, awaiting humanitarian assistance.
He noted that the Kenya Red Cross Society Action Team, alongside other stakeholders, is conducting a rapid assessment to guide relief efforts.
Despite the rising water levels in River Nyando, DCC Maranga assured residents that the Ahero Bridge along the Kisumu-Nairobi highway remains passable, with traffic flowing smoothly for both vehicles and pedestrians.
However, he cautioned that continued rainfall could lead to an overflow on the bridge.
“The road is currently passable, but we fear that with continued rains, there will be an overflow on the Ahero bridge affecting transport. We urge residents to remain vigilant and relocate to higher grounds to avoid loss of lives and property destruction,” Maranga said.
The National Government, in partnership with Kisumu County officials and humanitarian agencies such as the Kenya Red Cross, is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate relief efforts.
This latest flooding incident adds to the widespread impact of the ongoing long rains season, which began in March.
The government reported that approximately 200 people have lost their lives, over 40,000 have been displaced, and more than 200,000 individuals have been affected across the country.
Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to heed warnings and prioritize their safety as heavy rains continue to pose a significant threat.
By Robert Ojwang’
