Saturday 6 April 2013

Kenya: Search on for six Narok flood victims


KENYA Red Cross, Police, KWS rangers and the public are still searching for bodies of six victims who drowned in a river in Narok South District on Tuesday evening.

Four bodies have been recovered and taken to Narok District Hospital mortuary. Yesterday, Area MP Korei ole Lemein joined the searching rescue teams for the second day to comb the river banks.

The 7pm incident occurred after the Toyota G-touring car they were traveling in was swept away by raging floods at Entoroboni River which burst its bank.

Ten people including four children, four women and two men died on the spot while other six escaped. They were traveling to Nkareta trading after attending market day at Ololulunga town.

Narok county coordinator Ali Juma said the visibility and the water levels of the river have hampered rescue efforts. "After a grueling 12-hour search, we found the four bodies of victims and we are still doing what we can afford to get more bodies," said Juma.

He feared the bodies could have been washed hundreds of kilometres downstream adding they would not relent on the search until all residents are accounted for.

Juma asked residents to be on the lookout especially on the riverbanks and flood waters to avoid causing more catastrophes. "I am appealing to them not to underrate any water especially this time rains is pondering most parts of the country," he said.

Narok governor Samuel Tunai, who is attending governors' induction course in Naivasha, sent a message of condolence o the affected families.

He urged the government to send military and provisionally divers to assist in the search for more bodies. Tunai assured the bereaved families that his administration will help them during this time they have lost their loved ones.

The meteorological department has issued warnings to Kenyans that the current heavy rains and flash floods being experienced in most parts of the country will not subside any time soon.

So far, 18 people have been killed by floods and displacing thousands across the country since the heavy rains started.

Saturday 6 April 2013

http://allafrica.com/stories/201304051626.html

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