Rains cause havoc in Narok and Ijara

Nairobi,

Friday, November 10, 2023

By KNA Team

Narok residents have been urged to be vigilant in the wake of heavy rains that have seen over three people including two minors lose their lives in the area.

Speaking to KNA, Nancy Laboso, the director of disaster preparedness and mitigation in the County urged residents to be wary of mudslides, flash floods, landslides and lightning in various parts of the region.

“Narok East, particularly Suswa is prone to mudslides and landslides, while lighting has been experienced in Narok south and Transmara,” said Laboso.

Three cases of drowning have also been reported in the county, involving two minors in Narok South and a 22-year-old in Narok East.

Laboso added that incidents of mudslides and flash floods were predominantly witnessed in Suswa causing havoc in the area.

At the same time, a lightning incident happened in Kisima village in Trans Mara west sub county striking four people and inflicting injuries. Another lighting incident that destroyed a home equally occurred in Narok South.

Following these incidents, Laboso has urged the locals to be vigilant especially this time of heavy rains. She urged them to monitor their children and make sure they are not out in the rains or taking shelter under trees.

Laboso urged community leaders to conduct public awareness programmes so as to help the residents be aware of how to deal with the disasters, while still avoiding them.

Meanwhile, travelers from Garissa, Tana River, Mombasa and Nairobi are being forced to end their journeys at Boji area on the western banks of River Tana, which has burst its banks.

Travelers are then forced use canoes to cross the crocodile infested river to approach Masalani Bridge in ijara sub County Garissa County. 

The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) is currently using two helicopters to ferry exams to five centres in Ijara and two centres in Hulugho Sub County due to heavy downpour and security challenges. 

 Ijara residents have now expressed fears that if a solution to the transport menace is not found soon, then the area that relies on supplies from other parts of the country, will completely be cut off.

For instance, residents normally rely on banking and Huduma services at Hola Town, across the swollen river in the neighbouring Tana River county.

Meanwhile, foodstuffs meant for the area remain stuck on Boji side, including vegetables that are going bad due to flood waters. 

Courtesy; KNA