The government has issued a warning to residents living near lakes, rivers and dams in various parts of the country as water levels continue to rise.
Speaking in Nakuru on Thursday, November 5, Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna observed that rising water levels in lakes, rivers and dams in the Rift Valley and Victoria Basin regions had left a trail of destruction.
According to the government, over 7,000 families have been so far been displaced, most of them now left homeless.
"Here in Lake Nakuru, an estimated 350 families have been displaced in Mwariki sub-location, all of them losing their livelihood. In Baringo, 3,087 households have been displaced, while in Turkana 758 households have also been affected," he stated.
He warned that Turkwel Dam was potentially dangerous and was likely to lead to flooding in the lower areas.
"Subsequently, residents of Katilu, Kalemnyang, Loyapat, Nakwomoru, Lodwar and settlements around the shores of Lake Turkana are advised to immediately move to safer grounds until the situation normalises.
"Further, all those who reside around any of the affected lakes and feel threatened by the rising waters are also advised to move to more safe areas," he urged.
The government spokesperson stated that it was important for all citizens to pay attention to flood alerts issued by the relevant authorities.
Oguna further noted that farmlands had been submerged, leaving farmers staring at heavy losses with livestock equally been lost.
"In Baringo, facilities such as schools, hospitals and a hotel have been destroyed. Schools have been submerged even in the most unlikely places like in Kikuyiani Primary School in Nairage Enkare in Narok County. Further, infrastructure, some within national parks have also been destroyed," he added.
He further stated that cumulatively, from March 2020, 400 people had died in floods relating incidents across the country with 6 people have lost their lives due to stress and depression following the destruction of their property by water overflows.
Oguna further appealed to everyone to take advantage of the on-going rains to plant trees as well as harvest water for use during periods of drought.
"The Government will continue to provide support to alleviate the suffering of our people and to ensure the safety and well-being of the people are guaranteed," he assured.
