Three people among them a woman have been confirmed dead after floods wreaked havoc in Turkana County following heavy rains experienced in the county.
Govenor Josphat Nanok who toured the affected areas accompanied by county security team led by County Commissioner (CC), Muthama Wambua in Lodwar said disaster teams were on the ground to establish if other deaths had occurred and to rescue the affected families.
“We can confirm that one person was struck by lightning and two others swept away by floods,” Nanok said.
Nanok said that nine out of the 12 boreholes that serve Lodwar town were also damaged by floods.
They include the borehole that serves Lodwar county referral hospital.
Nanok said plans are underway to repair the damaged boreholes.
On his part, Wambua warned residents against crossing flooded rivers.
“Anyone found attempting to cross flooded rivers would be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
He added that plans have been made to ensure candidates sitting the national examinations are not disrupted.
At the same time, this year’s Mashujaa Day celebration venue has been changed from Moi Gardens Stadium to Ekaales centre because of the flooding witnessed at the stadium.
County residents living in low lying areas have been advised to relocate to higher grounds.
Humanitarian organisations among them Kenya Red Cross have started assisting families affected by the floods.
By Peter Gitonga