Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds pounded Kisumu City on Thursday, causing widespread destruction. The storm damaged buildings, blew off rooftops, and brought down billboards, with several vehicles also affected. A billboard along the Jomo Kenyatta Highway was brought down by strong winds, landing on parked vehicles and causing destruction.
The storm's impact was felt across the city, with a rooftop and part of a wall at Jumbo Steel Mills hardware along Obote Road among the structures damaged. Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo said the incident had raised fresh concerns over the safety and structural strength of old buildings, billboards, and other structures within the city. He warned landlords and tenants to take precautionary measures as the rainy season intensifies.
Mwabudzo said most of the affected buildings were old structures surrounded by similar developments. He emphasized the need for caution, saying that many people rely on these businesses. The county administration would not want poorly maintained or weak structures to cause injuries to tenants, customers, or other members of the public. Authorities are urging property owners to inspect their buildings and take necessary precautions.
The heavy downpour lasted less than 30 minutes but was intense, accompanied by powerful winds that caused widespread disruption. A resident, Mary Owino, described the winds as unusually strong, saying they appeared capable of carrying away loose objects and damaging structures. The storm's brief but intense nature caught many off guard.
Mwabudzo said the incident should serve as a warning to property owners and authorities to strengthen preparedness ahead of possible heavier rains. The county administration, together with the city planning department, would inspect structures to establish whether they were strong enough to withstand extreme weather. This move aims to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.
Authorities have also noted the need to assess drainage systems in the city, despite ongoing works to improve drainage and control flooding. The storm highlighted the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. Ongoing efforts to upgrade drainage systems will be reviewed and enhanced.
The storm has prompted a reassessment of the safety of structures erected within the city, including billboards and buildings located along busy streets. Key infrastructure will be inspected to ensure it can withstand extreme weather conditions. Authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent future damage and ensure public safety.
Key points
- The storm caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Kisumu City.
- Authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent future damage and ensure public safety.
- The incident highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and preparedness ahead of possible heavier rains.
