Kisumu county government has established an emergency response drive to support victims of floods in the area.
This comes amidst rising numbers of affected households with a total of 14, 060 people displaced by floods in Nyando, Kadibo, Nyakach, Kisumu Central and Kisumu East Sub-Counties.
One drowning incident has also been reported in Muhoroni due to the floods triggered by a backflow from Lake Victoria.
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o said 638 households in the five affected sub-counties were in evacuation camps while 2, 178 others have been integrated with their relatives and well-wishers.
The floods, he added have left behind a trail of destruction with some 1, 756 acres of farmland and crops in low-lying areas destroyed where farmers are counting losses worth Sh67.81 million.
On the education sector, he said 22 ECDE centres have been destroyed by floods with a number of roads and health facilities particularly in Nyando and Kadibo Sub-Counties destroyed.
The county government, Prof Nyong’o said has distributed food and nonfood items worth Sh4.8 million to support the victims adding that given the high numbers a lot more support was required.
As a result, the county government, he said has opened a donation centre at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Centre to receive donations from well-wishers for onward distribution to the affected families.
“We appeal to well-wishers to come and help us assist these displaced families. Anyone with food and nonfood items should contact the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County administration and Participatory Development,” he said.
Financial donations, he said should be channelled through the Kisumu County Emergency Response Account, SBM Bank, Kisumu Branch account number 0152415478001or Paybill 552800 Account number 0152415478001.
As a long term measure to contain flooding in the area, Nyong’o asked the national government to fast track the construction of Koru-Soin dam on the border of Kisumu and Kericho counties.
By Chris Mahandara
