Unknown number of people feared dead in West Pokot flash floods
By Noah Cheploen, April 18, 2020
An unknown number of people are feared dead in raging floods reported at Chesegon in West Pokot County on Saturday evening.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that houses, including a police camp and livestock were also swept away by the floods caused by a downpour that started on Friday night.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo confirmed the incident on Saturday evening.
“I have this evening received saddening reports of flash floods at Chesegon Trading Centre in Lomut Ward in Sigor Constituency following heavy downpour which is pounding most parts of West Pokot. The area is inaccessible by road as construction of Marich and Chepera bridges, which were swept away last year, are yet to be completed,” said the governor.
According to the governor, evacuation and rescue efforts have been disrupted by inaccessibility to the flood areas as road sections swept by last year’s floods have not been repaired.
Governor Lonyangapuo said rescue efforts will start tomorrow.
“I have contacted Rift Valley Regional Commissioner and National Government officials who have promised to fly in to the affected area tomorrow so that we can jointly assist those affected. I urge people living in landslide prone areas and along river banks to move to safer areas,” said the governor.
More Updates to Follow