The Taita Taveta County Government in conjunction with the National Government has launched search and rescue operation on Monday after the Voi River broke its banks.
This is due to the ongoing flooding situation with the country experiencing El-Nino rains. Various reports indicate that an unknown number of families and property has been washed downstream by the flooding river.
According to reports by the Kenya Red Cross, the non governmental organisation is helping different government agencies in conducting rescue operations along Voi River. It’s also believed that several villages along the Voi river stretch have been affected.
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The flooding river has reported displaced families at Msambweni, Tanzania, Gaza, Shauri Moyo, Marapu and Mkwachunyi in Taita Taveta County.
The river becomes the third river to break itsbanks in Taita Taveta County with River Ruvu and River Njoro already flooding.
Villages most affected by the ongoing flood s include: Mwarusa, Mata, Lesuyai, Rekeke, Kitobo, Wanganga, Gregan, and Tangini. According to reports, 211 residents from 99 families sought refuge at the Kimondia market shed awaiting evacuation to safe ground.
This comes weeks after the National government raised alarm for people to move to safe areas due to the ongoing flooding situation. Most counties have been labeled as red alerts including: Isiolo, Samburu, Kwale, Homabay, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Meru and Kisumu.
Some counties are already experiencing high level of flooding. This includes Tana River, Garissa, Mombasa, Wajir and Mandera that have already been hit with the ongoing floods situation in Kenya.
The government is urging people living in high alert areas to move to safer grounds as they wait for further directions from both the county and national governments.
Also Read: Government To Compensate Dam Overflow Victims