Homabay MPs appeal for government support as village is swept by floods

By Peter Ochieng

Members of Parliament (MPs) from Homabay are appealing for help, after a village was swept by floods in the County.

Residents of Wahambla village were left homeless after River Rang’wena broke its banks on Tuesday night.

Victims of the midnight incident were ferried to the nearby Rang’wena Primary School, via a joint team led by Kenya Red Cross Society officials, Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lelan and governor Gladys Wanga.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, MPs from the county led by Peter Opondo Kaluma, Homabay Town law maker said their constituents are in dire situation.

Kaluma said over 80 families have been displaced, requesting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who is chairing the national emergency response committee on the ongoing El Nino rains, ‘not to lift his eyes off Homabay.’

“I want to ask the Deputy President not to take his eyes from Homabay County because we are covered by the largest stretch of Lake Victoria. When we are addressing the effects of floods in terms of long and short term, we need quick intervention of the government,” said the legislature.

His Karachuonyo counterpart Adipo Kuome urged the government to speedily intervene and offer assistance to affected families. He appreciated what the Kenya Red Cross Society is doing, to assist victims.

“Whatever they are giving is not enough although I must appreciate the efforts they have done thus far. I am appealing to the government to build dykes to ensure the flood situation is arrested. I have tried getting assistance from the government but I have received no assistance from the government. We need the aid very urgently," said the MP.

“Last night, devastating flash floods left our people stranded, forcing the evacuation of nearly 1000 individuals from Wahambla and Rang'wena villages. Responding promptly, we swiftly established a camp to accommodate the displaced and began providing crucial aid such as essential supplies, medicines, clean water, and food. Our efforts to address this crisis are ongoing, and we strongly encourage our people to seek refuge in higher areas, and promise our support in their time of need,” Governor Wanga noted.

As at Tuesday, 28th November, 2023, 120 people had lost their lives as a result of floods occasioned by the ongoing heavy rains.