Farmers in Riwo Ward, West Pokot County have been left shocked and counting huge losses after floods caused havoc following heavy downpour in the area. The deadly floods killed three cows, destroyed their crops and houses in five villages after heavy down pour that pounded the area yesterday.
The affected villages are Simotwo, Poole, Cheleketeno, Kalapachon and Sekenion. The floods wiped out maize, sorghum, groundnuts, Bananas, vegetables, and millet affecting more than 50 farmers after river Kapoiny broke its banks and destroyed more than 20 acres of land.
Riwo Ward representative elect Mr. David Alekulem who visited the area cited that affected families are in need of food aid.
He cited that there is a danger of school going children in the remote villages crossing the river during heavy rains.
Alekulem observed that this was the first incident to happen in the semi arid area where the surge of water destroyed crops.
Alekulem called on the government to conduct research in the area and plant more trees along rivers to avert soil erosion and floods. “Residents need sensitization on forests conservation,” he said.
He called for an urgent response in ensuring that the affected farmers are cushioned. “We want the County and national governments to move with speed to save farmers from incurring losses,” said Alekulem.
The area MCA challenged the County and national governments to assess it and guide farmers on the modern ways of mitigating future effects of floods.
The farmers are now appealing for assistance from both the West Pokot County government and national governments. “We are wondering where we shall get school fees next year as we rely on the crops,” said Christine Lorengom, a farmer.
Affected farmers said that they will not harvest during this planting season as their crops have been affected by the floods.
