Businessmen and fishermen in Rachuonyo North Sub County incurred enormous losses after floods destroyed properties of unknown value following heavy downpour in the region.
The victims operating at two beaches along the shore of Lake Victoria suffered financial losses when their fishing gears, household items and goods for sale were swept away by floods.
The floods destroyed nine houses, including four which are used for residential purposes and five food kiosks at Doho and Tausi beaches in Kanam B Location of Homa bay County over the weekend.
The floods demolished walls of the houses made of mud before eroding property that was inside into the waters of Lake Victoria.
Confirming the incident to KNA, the West Karachuonyo Beach Management Unit Chairperson, Samuel Osendo decried the loss. “This incident has caused serious losses to the affected families. We appeal for humanitarian aid from well-wishers,” said Osendo.
On his part, area Chief, Joseph Ogilo appealed to government agencies to intervene by making water channels to prevent damages caused by floods.
Ogilo argued that the soil topography in the area had created divergent water channels which culminate in floods along the Lake shore.
“There is need for creation of water channels which can direct the water to prevent damages whenever it rains in the area,” Ogilo said.
A similar incident was also witnessed in Kobala Sub Location of Wang’chieng’ Location where floods affected the residents farmland.
According to the chairman of a non- governmental organization, Aluora Makare, Willys Okeyo many farmers lost their crops such as maize, sorghum and beans.
“Most of our livestock now have nowhere to graze due to the floods. The situation is causing serious economic losses to farmers of this area,” said Okeyo.
By Naomi Wandede /Davis Langat
