It will be a wet Christmas for some of the residents in Kisumu County after hundreds were displaced after River Nyando burst its banks. More than 100 families of Kasindi South village in Nyando, Kisumu County have been left homeless following heavy downpour experienced in the area.
Ombaka-Kakola the Assistant Chief of Jacob Ong’udi said most of the affected families are camping at Nyamasao Primary School rescue centre adding that he expects that the number might rise.
Most of the homes affected by the floodwater were mud-walled houses that either collapsed or were partially destroyed.
Speaking to the media, Ong’udi called on the government and the humanitarian agencies to assist the families who will spend their Christmas at the rescue centre.
“The calamity now calls for urgent humanitarian aid for the affected people as a number of families are not in a position to rebuild their homes following the wanton destruction,” Ong’udi said.
Some of the affected families have moved to Nyamasao Camp and Kochogo Baptist Church seeking refugee while some are seeking shelter at their relatives in the neighbouring villages.
Susan Oricho, the secretary of Nyamasao camp, said currently they have 535 people including children who are seeking shelter at the camp adding that the camp does not have enough resources.
“We are worried about what will happen to us when schools reopen in January. The high number of people has also strained resources as families are in dire need of food, clean water and medication,” Oricho said.