One person goes missing as boat capsizes in River Migori

By Peter Ochieng

One person is missing after a boat capsized at Matanda area in River Migori, on Monday morning.

According to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), five people were rescued owing to quick response and support from members of the community.

"Thanks to the quick response and support from the community, five individuals were successfully rescued. Unfortunately, one person remains missing," Red Cross said in a statement.

"The Kenya Red Cross and the County Government have mobilized additional divers for continued search and retrieval efforts."

Migori is one of the counties experiencing adverse effects of the El Nino rains pounding most parts of the country.

In Nyatike Sub County for instance, the Kenya Red Cross team alongside community health promoters assisted affected families displaced by floods to safely reach a nearby evacuation center.

As evacuation efforts continue, the county government and partners may have to set up an emergency medical camp, providing essential food items, relief tents, and delivering psychosocial support to those affected.

Meanwhile, Voi River burst its banks this morning, causing flooding in areas within Voi Town. Death toll from El Nino induced floods in the country is over 136.

The Interior Ministry says more than 92,400 households and 462,100 people have either been displaced or affected by the floods in one way or another.

Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua on Monday led a food distribution exercise to victims of flood in Garissa and Tana River counties, occassioned by the ongoing El Nino rains.

Garissa and Tana River have been among the worst hit counties, with scores of people being displaced.

Speaking during the launch of the exercise at Garissa Police Training College grounds, and the neigbouring Madogo area in Tana River County, Gachagua said the humanitarian assistance in form of food and non food items is running alongside the financial support under the social protection safety net program.