Written by Frankline Bwire, Carren Papai and Cajetan Okondo 2012-05-09 08:37:00 Read 1069 Times

A section of Budalang'i that was hit by floods when River Nzoia burst its banks the last time floods were witnessed in the area. Photo/ Frankline Bwire.

Budalang’i residents living in flood prone areas have been urged to be on high alert and be ready to move to higher grounds to avert disaster in case River Nzoia bursts its banks.

Bunyala District Commissioner Khalif Abdi said heavy rains pounding the area have resulted into increase in water levels a situation that has raised fear.

Addressing journalists, Abdi advised locals to remain vigilant and ensure they move out their homesteads in case they see signs of water trying to reclaim their land.

“Despite measures put in place by the government in terms of flood preparedness, the responsibility still remains on the area residents to be vigilant just in case the water levels continue to rise,” he said.

The DC said they have food rations ready to be distributed to families that will be affected in case of floods, adding that they also have several vehicles in place to help evacuate those who will be affected.

He revealed that so far no damage has been done apart from the crops which were planted within the dykes and those near the wetter grounds.

He also warned locals against overloading boats when being ferried from one point to the other to avoid accidents.

“The level of water has risen to 4.6 metres and it is upon those involved in the ferrying exercise of locals to carry the normal capacity in a bid to avoid losing lives,” said Abdi.In Alego Usonga in Siaya, the some residents have started moving to higher ground in the camps of Nyambare and Goro due to increase of water levels from river Nzoia.

District Commissioner for Siaya district Mr. Boaz Busungu also asked the residents of Dibuoro and Bukhoba to shift early before they are swept by floods.

Elsewhere, residents living along river Malakisi and floods prone area have been asked to be on a high alert and remain vigilant according to the Teso Deputy Police boss who sounded the warning Tuesday after two dead bodies of unknown persons were found along the banks of river Malakisi in Kamolo Village Teso North District.

He said the deceased were taken to Webuye mortuary and has called on residents of the missing relatives to report to police in an effort to help identify the body. However, the officer disclosed that the police yesterday in the same area could not be in a position to save a young woman whom they fear was in company of a one year old child.

 “Residents reported seeing a young woman swept  by the floods on river Malakisi and efforts by the police officers to save the victim did not yield fruits as  the place was full of water,” explained Wahome.

 Addressing the press yesterday in Malaba, he pleaded with the community to be watchful on the continuing heavy downpour that has claimed many lives posing danger on the Nation. He added the floods have become a natural calamity and asked everyone to take good care of the selves to help curb more deaths.

 “Residents should desist ignoring stagnant water; they are equally dangerous and can kill. Drivers should also drive carefully and avoid driving on unmovable water,” said Wahome.

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