Over 100 residents of West Ugenya location, Siaya county were displaced after river Nzoia burst its banks after a heavy downpour upstream.
Hundreds of acres of farms have also been submerged, amid fears that devastation could impact negatively on yields as farmers recorded losses after seeds failed to germinate in the waterlogged farms.
According to the Ugenya Deputy County Commissioner, Pamela Otieno, the worst affected areas were Mudondo, Lunga and villages within Mahawa scheme where the residents have been displaced.
The DCC said that 101 people were at great risk of contracting diseases, with the Coronavirus pandemic that requires social distancing and hygiene making matters even worse for them.
“With the heavy rains still pounding the area and also the highlands, affected residents need support in terms of health, food and other emergency supplies,” said Otieno.
She said that some of the families have already moved to Lung’a primary school for temporary shelter.
Saturday, Siaya governor, Cornel Rasanga called on the national government and donors to support the flood victims who have been exposed to health challenges.
Rasanga said that with the Coronavirus pandemic that requires proper hygiene, the victims may be exposed to the virus unless quick action was taken to cushion them.
“The floods have come at a time when most of our resources have been channelled towards tackling Coronavirus and we appeal for support,” he said.
By Philip Onyango
