The National Government, in conjunction with the Taita Taveta County administration, on Monday launched rescue operations after Voi River burst its banks.

An unknown number of families are reported to have been swept away by the raging river. 

Taita Taveta County is one of the 33 devolved units in the country affected by El Nino floods.

According to a statement from Kenya Red Cross which is helping different government agencies in conducting rescue operations, several villages along the river stretch have been affected. 

The flooding river has reported displaced families at Msambweni, Tanzania, Gaza, Shauri Moyo, Marapu and Mkwachunyi in Taita Taveta County. 

Unconfirmed reports indicate that one middle-aged woman was swept away and drowned bringing total deaths from the tragedy to eight. 

The now-flooded river is made up of a collection of streams emanating from Taita Hills. 

The river volume rises steadily every rain season especially when there is heavy downpour in Taita Hills. This has been exacerbated further by the intense downpour occasioned by El Nino floods. 

Residents in the area have further been faulted for extensive sand harvesting which has left the river exposed to flooding. 

Ordinarily, the river flows through Tsavo East National Park eventually finding its way to the Indian Ocean through Kilifi County. 

The tragedy happens at a time when the Ministry of Interior is finalising plans to evacuate over 30,000 Kenyans who could be affected by flooding. 

Some of the regions where the government is planning evacuation include Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Machakos, and Garissa counties.