Three people have died and 389 others displaced in Homa Bay County as floods continue to ravage the country.
The three who died, include two children aged 12 and 14 years and a man aged 30.
The deceased died in Ndhiwa Sub-county on River Kuja that flows from Migori County into Lake Victoria.
Addressing the press in this office, Homa Bay County Commissioner (CC), Harman Shambi said that the latest victim of floods body was recovered floating on the river on Sunday evening by the area residents, but hastened to add that the cause of the man’s death has not yet been ascertained.
“We have not established the exact cause of death of the man, however we believe he could have drowned when he tried crossing the river,” Shambi said on Monday.
The administrator further said that the man could have drowned in the flooded water at a different section before his body was washed away downstream.
“Residents saw the body floating on water before they alerted rescuers who removed it from the river. He could have died upstream,” Shambi added.
Meanwhile, the two children drowned when they tried crossing the same river last week.
One child was in a boat together with other occupants when their vessels capsized at the middle of the river.
Their bodies have so far been retrieved.
In Rachuonyo North, excess water flowing from River Miriu have continued to cause damages in homes of residents in Wang’ Chieng ward.
The river which burst its banks two weeks ago has continued to spread to other areas of Kobala and Kobuya.
Floods in the area have affected more than 54 households.
Shambi led other government officials in distributing relief food to the affected families on Monday.
They gave out rice, mattresses, formulae food for children and kitchen equipment.
The CC said his office is collaborating with other agencies to ensure the families are well taken care of.
“We will have a meeting with the county government to discuss ways of helping the families who are camping at the school,”Shambi said.
He appealed to those living in low areas which are prone to floods to migrate to higher grounds.
“Drivers should also be careful when driving. They should avoid speeding to minimize accidents. Riders should also ensure they carry only one passenger,” the administrator added.
By Naomi Wandede/ Davis Langat
