Makueni: 7 people died after floods engulfed residents following heavy rains

At least seven people have died in Makueni County after being washed away by floodwaters in the past two weeks
The latest victim, 67-year-old Bernard Wambua, was swept away while trying to cross the flooded Isuuni River
Makueni disaster management officials have warned residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers as rescue teams continue to search for another person who is still missing.

At least seven people have died in Makueni County after being swept away by floodwaters in the past two weeks.

Josphat Mbatha narrated how Wambua was carried away by the overflowing water. Photo: NTV Kenya.
Source: UGC

This comes as heavy rain continues to fall in various parts of the country, causing rivers to overflow and break their banks.

The tragic deaths occurred after residents tried to cross flooded rivers and seasonal streams whose water levels had risen rapidly.

The latest victim, Bernard Wambua, aged 67, was swept away on Wednesday night, February 4, while trying to cross the flooded Isuuni River.

How was Wambua washed away?

According to his family, Wambua had just left work and was on his way home accompanied by his colleague when the tragedy happened.

Josphat Mbatha, a family member, narrated the events leading up to the incident, explaining that the two men reached the river with caution due to the rising water level.

It is reported that Wambua saw that his friend had crossed the stream without difficulty and tried to follow him and was swept away by the water.

“We received the news at night when we were sleeping. He had just left work and was heading home with his colleague. His colleague crossed first, after telling him to wait to check if the water level was too high. When he saw that he was able to cross, he followed behind him. Later he heard him calling his name, and shortly after he was swept away by the water; that was the last time he saw him.” Mbatha revealed.

Efforts to find the missing man were immediately launched by disaster response teams from the county government and local volunteers.

Makueni County disaster management officials confirmed that Wambua’s body was later recovered after a massive search operation that lasted until the following morning.

Heavy rains have caused great damage in Makueni

Officials said one person was still missing after being swept away by floodwaters in Kathozweni sub-county, where rescue teams are continuing to search the affected areas.

The ongoing rains have also caused extensive damage in several areas of the county, with families counting losses after their homes were covered by floodwaters.

In the village of Barazani in the Bitini area, residents woke up to witness a lot of damage after a flash flood passed through their houses following the rain that fell overnight.

Several households lost their property, while families had to flee to safer places after water flooded their houses and plots.

Makueni County Commissioner, Duncan Darusi, confirmed the deaths and urged residents to be very careful when the rain continues.

“We have lost seven people in the last two weeks after being swept away by the floods. Many incidents happened when people tried to cross the flooded rivers due to heavy rains,” he said.

Did the Kenya Meteorological Department issue a flood warning?

Earlier, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that heavy rains could cause flooding in more than 20 counties while rains continue to fall in various parts of the country.