Rescue Operations Underway After Voi River Bursts Banks
Kenya Red Cross stated in its update while sharing a video of its officers aiding villagers who were evacuating their homes amidst the flooded waters.
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Rescue operations have been launched by the national government in conjunction with the Taita Taveta County administration after the Voi River burst its banks on Monday morning, December 4.
Kenya Red Cross stated in its update while sharing a video of its officers aiding villagers who were evacuating their homes amidst the flooded waters.
"Voi River burst its banks this morning, causing flooding in villages within Voi Town.
"The Kenya Red Cross is on-site, conducting search and rescue operations for families marooned by the rising waters," read the update in part.
Ongoing rescue in Voi after the Voi River burst its banks this morning. https://t.co/v2imE4eQ8F pic.twitter.com/MGoyXz8FDY — Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) December 4, 2023
Reports indicate that an unknown number of families were swept away by the raging river. Taita Taveta County is one of the 33 devolved units in the country affected by the El Nino floods.
The river volume rises steadily every rainy season especially when there is a heavy downpour in Taita Hills, a matter which has been made worse by the intense downpour courtesy of the El Nino rains.
The now-flooded section consists of a collection of streams coming from Taita Hills. Residents in the area have been blamed for extensive sand harvesting which has left the river vulnerable to flooding.
The river usually flows through Tsavo East National Park on its way to the Indian Ocean through Kilifi County.
In other related news, the Kenya Red Cross reported earlier that a boat capsized at River Migori with five occupants on board.
The five were using the boat to cross the river when large waves carried the vessel leaving them appealing for help, which prompted members of the community conducting their errands near the river to dive into the water and rescue them.
"Early this morning, a boat capsized at River Migori in Matanda. Thanks to the quick response and support from the community, five individuals were successfully rescued," the statement read in part.
"Unfortunately, one person remains missing. The Kenya Red Cross and the County Government have mobilized additional divers for continued search and retrieval efforts."
The river flooded following heavy rains that impacted the area in recent times.
