More than 540 families have been rendered homeless in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, after four villages were submerged on Tuesday night by floods.

Data from the Kenya Red Cross indicates that 980 households have been affected by floods in at least 10 counties over the last 24 hours.

Residents of the four villages of Kamneya, Kowuor, Kasirawa and Konyango in Karachuonyo Constituency were rendered homeless during heavy rains that pounded the area, with the more than 540 households now required to move to higher ground.

“People do not have a place to call home, we are talking high rates of hippos scavenging for pastures and a threat to security,” said Kobala resident Willis Omulo.

Florence Adhiambo added: “We have Cholera and Malaria, the breeding areas are affecting us because of floods.”

The affected families require humanitarian assistance as they seek alternative shelter in churches and neighbouring schools. Farmers too are counting losses as their farms were submerged.

“540 households affected, floods will increase in the coming days...they should move to higher ground even in churches, neighbouring schools,” advised Kobala Assistant Chief George Oburu.

Mwea residents in Kirinyaga County have also been affected by the floods, with rice farmers who were looking forward to a bumper harvest now a disappointed lot. 

“Imeharibu manyumba ,vyombo, watoto wanashindwa, manyumba imebomoka,” rice farmer Alice Wairimu stated.

Tabitha Njeri added: “Watu hawana pa kupitia, wengine michele imeharibika, mashamba huwezi elewa mchele na barabara zimeharibika, wakuje watuchimbie mtaro ndio maji ipate njia ya kupitia.”

In Kinyaata and Masinga of Machakos County, the remains of a 30-year-old who was swept away by the floods this week were retrieved on Wednesday afternoon after a search and rescue mission was launched.

The Kenya Red Cross now says at least ten counties have been affected by the floods including Nyeri, Tana River, Homa Bay, Machakos and Narok.