Teso North MP Dr Oku Kaunya has cautioned residents in flood prone areas to remain vigilant as rains continue to increase with some areas already submerged in water.
Kaunya noted that it is much expected that residents around the area of Apokor, Amoni and Akiriamasi will be displaced as water levels in River Malakisi continue to increase with ongoing heavy downpour in the area.
The legislator was speaking to the press in his office after he visited the Amoni and Osia area where over 40 residents were left homeless after strong winds destroyed their homes.
“We are currently experiencing heavy rainfall in Busia County. It’s much expected that some parts of Teso North (Amoni, Apokor and Akiriamasi) and Budalangi will experience floods,” Kaunya said. “I advise the disaster committee to put mitigation measures in place to avoid more havoc,” he added.
His sentiments comes two days after Teso North DCC Stephen Wambura issued a warning to those in flood prone and mudslide areas to relocate to higher ground to avert danger of being overwhelmed by floods.
“I want to caution residents of Teso North, particularly those living near rivers and lowlands, to remain vigilant when El Nino rains increase and be ready to relocate to higher grounds,” said DCC Wambura.
Already in Busia, the ongoing rains have led to the destruction of over 120 homes leaving over 600 people in the cold. Recently being destruction of 45 houses in the Osia area in Angurai Ward. 70 other houses were destroyed in Nambale and Bunyala sub-counties.
The roofs of three schools were blown off within Busia County. Kakurikit and Katotoi primary schools in Teso North, and Dadira primary in Butula sub county.
The residents of the Osia area have called on the DCI to investigate families that received over 100 iron-sheets and 5 bags of rice yet they were not affected by the windstorm.
“It’s surprising to see some families that were not affected receive 100 iron-sheets yet those who suffered the calamity were only given 10 iron-sheets,” the residents told KNA during a follow-up interview.
The residents also want the government to construct dykes along the river Malakisi and river Malaba to prevent danger in future.
By Absalom Namwalo
