A total of 11 people in Turkana County have so far lost their lives due to floods.
Speaking on Friday after a food distribution exercise in Napetet village in Lodwar, County Commissioner Muthama Wambua said 420 people have been affected by floods and lost their property and livestock.
Wambua said the national government has released rice, cooking oil and vitamin supplements tobe disbursed to the affected families.
“Each of the seven sub counties will receive 500 bags (50 kg) rice, 50 cartons of cooking oil and 50 boxes of vitamin supplements,” said Wambua.
On Friday the County Commissioner distributed relief food to 75 households affected by floods in the village.
He noted that Turkana Central sub county was the most affected by floods followed by Turkana South and Turkana West sub counties.
At the same time, the County Commissioner urged people living near Turkwel Dam to relocate warning them the dam could overflow if the rains continue.
“The dam is in danger of overflowing and we are advising those living near the dam to relocate to prevent loss of lives especially should the dam overflow at night,” he said.
Wambua also said the construction of a bridge linking Lodwar and Kanamkemer would continue after the court ruled that the Chinese contractor should continue with the works despite a challenge by a landowner who was disputing its construction.
“The land that was being claimed is a road reserve and we are happy that the court allowed the contractor to continue with the project. The contractor has started the process of laying beams for the bridge. It will be completed soon,” he said.
The completion of the bridge has experienced delays because of the rains being experienced in the county.
Wambua added that a bridge on River Kawalase which is two kilometres from Lodwar town and that has claimed several lives will soon be completed.
He said the contractor would use metallic beams instead of concrete adding that the materials are in Nairobi awaiting transportation to Lodwar.
The Kawalase River has claimed many lives including two most recent cases where two people perished as they attempted to cross the flooded river. Many vehicles have also been swept away by the river.
By Peter Gitonga
