Heavy rains pounding several parts of West Pokot County have caused widespread flooding, destroying infrastructure, homes and farms, as residents count losses and call for urgent government intervention.
In Tandapos area of Kapenguria Constituency, a bridge has been swept away by raging floodwaters, disrupting movement and posing a major challenge to residents who depend on the crossing to access essential services and connect with neighbouring areas.
The destruction of the bridge has raised concerns among locals, who fear that continued rainfall could worsen the situation and further disrupt transport and other economic activities in the affected areas.
In Kacheliba Constituency, River Suam has burst its banks following the heavy downpour, sending floodwaters into nearby settlements and farms in Karon village.
Several families have been affected after the overflowing river flooded their homes, while agricultural land and crops were also destroyed, dealing a major blow to residents who depend on farming for their livelihoods.
The flooding has left affected households facing uncertainty, with some families counting losses and struggling to cope with the destruction caused by the rising waters.
Authorities are yet to comment on the flooding incident or announce any immediate interventions to assist the affected families. Meanwhile, no humanitarian organisation has so far stepped in to provide emergency support to residents whose homes and farms have been destroyed by the raging floodwaters.
The affected families continue to endure the effects of the disaster, with residents urging both levels of government and humanitarian agencies to move swiftly and provide assistance before the situation deteriorates further, especially as heavy rains continue to pound the region.
Residents say the situation requires urgent intervention, warning that continued heavy rainfall could expose more households to flooding and further damage property and infrastructure.
The affected families are now appealing to the national and county governments, as well as humanitarian agencies, to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter and other essential supplies to help them recover from the disaster.
They are also calling for long-term measures to address recurring flooding, including the reconstruction of the swept-away bridge and interventions to protect communities living along River Suam from future disasters.
