Siaya County Disaster Management Team Responds Swiftly to Footbridge Swept Away by Floods

Led by the Director of Disaster Management George Aola, Metrological chief Dominick Arodi and Sub-county Administrator Vincent Kanyagodi the team assessed the risks and dangers the sunken bridge poses to the riparian community.

Photos courtesy of Samson Wire, Directorate of Public Communication, County Government of Siaya

One person is reported to have lost his life in an attempt to save three head of cattle which were swept away by the raging floods.

Retired area Chief Margaret Ochinga acknowledged that although the bridge has witnessed considerable tear and wear the ongoing floods is solely responsible for the current disaster.

Residents from North Yimbo and Alego-Usonga had called upon the government to respond to their plight given that the region is arguably Siaya county’s agricultural bread basket.

The officials from the County Government of Siaya promised a comprehensive report that will map out a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the area.

The team also visited the bereaving family of Lucas Otieno Ondijo who lost their son in the tragedy. The Director for Disaster Management relayed the condolences and a special message from Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo.

Another road ravaged by forceful floods is the Ndigwa-Gudwa beach road in Rarieda Constituency.Photo | Handout.

Meanwhile, Governance and Administration Chief Officer Mr. Walter Okelo has revealed that Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo will be visiting the disaster area on Thursday.

Mr. Okelo (in chequered shirt) during the media briefing, shortly after the Disaster Management team visited the site of the sunken bridge on Tuesday December 3,2024. Photo | Samson Wire, Directorate of Public Communication, County Government of Siaya.

Mr. Okelo further said that the Nyalore admininistration was putting in place strategies to bring about long-term solutions to nature’s problems.

Read more here: https://siaya.go.ke