Heavy rains and strong winds have caused significant damage in Kisumu and Vihiga counties, leaving four people injured and property destroyed. The affected areas include Dunga Beach in Kisumu County, where four hotels were destroyed, and dozens of makeshift structures were flattened. Traders are now struggling to salvage what remained of their businesses.
The strong winds and heavy rains also affected Em'machika village in Vihiga County, where three houses were destroyed, and crops were flattened. Residents described the incident as shocking, with some forced to flee for safety. The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued alerts over heavy rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms during the past week, warning residents in areas including the Lake Victoria Basin of possible destruction.
In Kisumu County, traders at Dunga Beach are trying to come to terms with the destruction. Some are attempting to reinforce their structures before the next downpour, while others are left with debris scattered across the ground. Josephine Ondiek, a trader at Dunga Beach, described how the weather changed within moments, leaving people stranded.
Fransisca Odhiambo, a resident, said her house was destroyed during the incident, while an electricity pole also collapsed, forcing residents to flee for safety. Emmanuel Otieno, another trader, said the winds were so intense that residents feared they would not survive. The incident has left residents and traders counting their losses and awaiting urgent assistance from disaster management authorities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department's latest forecast indicates that heavy rains are expected to continue in various parts of the country, including the Coast and Lake Victoria Basin. This has raised concerns over the safety of residents in affected areas, with some calling for urgent assistance to prevent further losses.
Residents of Em'machika village in Vihiga County also reported damage to their homes and farmland. Joseph Ondere, a resident, said he was forced out of his home after the roof was blown away. Wilberforce Kuta said a fallen tree had brought down an electricity line, raising concerns over safety in the area.
The incident has highlighted the need for disaster preparedness and response in affected areas. With heavy rains expected to continue, residents are awaiting urgent assistance from disaster management authorities to help them recover and prevent further losses. The government has been urged to provide support to affected residents and traders.
Key points
- Four people were injured in the incident, and property worth an unknown amount was destroyed.
- The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued alerts over heavy rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms in various parts of the country.
- Residents are awaiting urgent assistance from disaster management authorities to help them recover and prevent further losses.
