Three killed in flash floods after heavy rains in Sindo, Homa Bay

A woman and two children died in flash floods after heavy rains pondered the Sindo trading centre in Suba South constituency on Sunday.

The two who hail from the same family were swept downstream following the floods that started from the Kisaku areas in the Kaksingri West location.

The two children were aged 8 and 5.

They were swept by the raging floods when they were heading to the Sindo town market.

Their father was rescued by the residents after he got stuck on a log. He is at Suba subcounty hospital for medication.

The area chief Eliud Odeka said the raging floods emanated from the Sumba, Kisaku and Rang’wa hills as a result of the heavy rains.

“It rained heavily for more than one hour on Sunday afternoon. Many residents were caught unaware and that’s why it has claimed the lives of the three people,” Odeka said.

Speaking after the incident, the administrator said the rains have also caused destruction.

Odeka said Murram roads have been swept away and destroyed. Mudslides have also been witnessed in some parts of Sindo town market.

The three bodies were retrieved with the help of some residents.

“There are more than 100 rental houses and business premises which have been destroyed in Sindo town market. At least 200 families have been affected by the floods,” he added.

Several livestock are also suspected to have been killed and swept by the floods.

The Kenya Meteorological Department had already issued a notice that more rains would be experienced in the Nyanza counties.

Homa Bay commissioner Moses Lilan had urged residents in the county to remain vigilant during the heavy rains.

Sensitisation of members of the public on the dangers of staying in flood-prone affected areas is also ongoing.

Lilan said families in flood-prone areas should be careful as they engage in their daily activities.

“The best thing is to move out of areas that have been marked as flood-prone areas,” Lilan said.