Floods
Residents of Nyatike Sub County in Migori County who were displaced by floods have benefitted from a donation of 140 bags of rice and beans. County Commissioner David Gitonga oversaw the distribution of the relief food to the victims on Tuesday.
Despite the absence of Government Spokesperson Isaack Mwaura who was to oversee the activity, Mr Gitonga disclosed that approximately 840 individuals, 70 households, 10 schools, 6 dispensaries, and 10 roads across Migori County have been affected by the prolonged heavy rainstorms that have caused massive flooding.
Nyatike residents crossing the flooded road after receiving relief food donations following the adverse effects of the floods. Photo by Polycarp Ochieng
He revealed that so far the floods have claimed the lives of 10 individuals due to drowning.
“As the government rallies resources and support, the focus remains on providing immediate relief while implementing sustainable solutions to safeguard communities against future calamities,” affirmed Mr Gitonga.
Briefing the press after the day-long event, Gitonga assured of more aid by government, adding that an additional 200 bags of rice and 300 bags of beans will be distributed by the Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
He said that a total of 360 bags of beans and 240 bags of rice relief supplies have already been disbursed in Nyatike South, with additional support provided to women in the form of 20 cartons of sanitary towels and various kits of medical supplies.
While addressing myriad concerns on the health of the residents, the County Commissioner said the government’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, the National Environment Management Authority, and other stakeholders will identify safe riparian areas for relocation of the affected population to mitigate the adverse impacts of flooding within the region.
Women from Nyatike sub-county queuing to receive food donation from the government to cushion them from hunger after they were displaced by floods. The event saw the distribution of 140 bags of rice and beans to affected community members. Photo by Polycarp Ochieng
This is in addition to plans which are underway to erect and repair dykes along the Kuja River, with the Irrigation Authority exploring opportunities to expand irrigable land by 19,000 hectares to make the region food sufficient, he added.
The Administrator also disclosed plans to put up a dam at Gogo Falls, capable of storing 300 million cubic meters of water. This resource, Mr Gitonga said, will serve multiple purposes, including water for domestic use, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation to be added to the national grid.