Five killed by raging floods in Bondo after dams overflow

Five people were killed in Bondo Sub County, Siaya County after being swept away by raging floods following a heavy down pour.

Two dams in Miruka and Ochot overflowed into the nearby villages, destroying property and threatening lives.

Deputy sub-county commissioner Samson Akatch said three bodies had been recovered while two other villagers were still missing.

Mr Akatch urged locals to be cautious and ‘avoid walking in the raging flood waters to safeguard your lives’.

‘‘My brother is still missing after the heavy rains; I call upon the concerned authorities to erect a bridge across the road,’’ said Mr Samuel Otieno who lives in the area.

Mr Morris Omogo said his son, Kenneth Otieno, who is a boda boda rider was recovered at Alara area of Bondo town.

Bondo Traders Association secretary Enos Ruongo said a large number of boda boda riders, vehicles and people were unable to cross the flooded area.

Mrs Eunice Odhiambo who owns a maize plantation at Opoda village in Bondo sub-county is counting loses after the raging floods swept her entire crop.

“We are using the dam to irrigate the maize we planted during the dry season. We had invested heavily on the maize with the hope of getting huge returns after harvesting the crop in three months, ’’said Mrs Otieno.

Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda who was inspecting the damage at Miruka dam challenged the National Government to release the emergency funds to help contain the situation.

‘‘My office intends to put up outlets on the dams to ensure easy flow of water out of the dams and avoid a looming crisis,’’ said Dr Ochanda.