Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa has urged the people living in flood prone areas to move to safer grounds. CS Wamalwa was speaking in Kakamega County on Saturday while issuing relief food and other basic needs to families affected by the floods. He said that the government will forcefully evict those that are resisting to move from prone areas especially in Budalangi area for their own safety.
At least 219 people have lost their lives in the last 9 days. The Western region has lost 7 people out of these. 5 people perished in Bungoma County while 2 more succumbed to flood waters in Busia. Busia County has been affected the most with the water levels still rising. Approximately 57,000 people have been affected with the floods with over 50,000 getting displaced in the Western region alone.
This has been revealed by the regional commissioner Anne Ngetich who has called upon the residents to stop all the lake and river activities including fishing as the rains continue to fall.
Besides, bridges, roads, homesteads, schools and even health facilities have been affected. Animals have also not been spared. Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has called upon the national government to move with speed and construct dams in Budalangi to save the residents from the flood menace which happens year in year out.
CS Wamalwa revealed that the government is already working on compensations for the affected families. The CS was also accompanied by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his Busia counterpart Sospeter Ojaamong.