Nyatike Sub-County in Migori County is grappling with a worsening humanitarian crisis following devastating floods that have submerged homes, displaced families, and destroyed livelihoods across several villages. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged after Migori Senator Eddy Okech stepped in to provide emergency assistance to the affected communities.
The floods have severely affected villages in Nyora, Kabuto, Agugo, and Sere, with residents describing the situation as dire and calling on both county and national governments to urgently intervene.
Local leaders and residents say the flooding has been worsened by flash floods from heavy rainfall combined with a significant water backlog from Lake Victoria. The situation has been compounded by the destruction of dykes along River Kuja and River Migori, which had previously served as critical flood control infrastructure.
According to residents, three sub-locations—Nyora, Kabuto, and Angugo—are among the worst hit, with entire homesteads now underwater.
Evans Okeyo, a resident of Nyora Village, lamented what he described as neglect by local leadership as families continue to suffer.
“Ninety-five percent of our homes are submerged in water yet there is no effort from our leaders. Our people are suffering and we urgently need intervention,” said Okeyo.
For many families, the floods have wiped out everything they own. Conceptor Anyango, a flood victim, narrated the anguish after her entire household was destroyed by the rising waters.
“All my belongings were submerged in water. We have nowhere to stay and we do not know how we will rebuild our lives,” she said.
During a visit to the affected areas, Senator Eddy Okech expressed concern over the magnitude of the destruction, noting that Angugo Village was among the most severely impacted.
“Angugo Village is one of the worst affected areas. It is worrying that the dykes that used to protect residents have been completely destroyed. We are appealing to the government to urgently rehabilitate these dykes to prevent further disasters,” the senator said.
To cushion affected families, the senator mobilized emergency relief supplies including more than 30,000 kilograms of rice and beans, as well as thousands of mattresses, blankets, and bars of soap to support displaced households.
Okech also pledged to work with partners and well-wishers to help rebuild homes destroyed by the floods.
“We will work with like-minded partners to raise iron sheets to help rebuild homes that have been destroyed,” he added.
Beyond immediate relief, the senator revealed that he has raised the matter in the Senate to ensure disaster response funds are released to counties facing flood emergencies.
“I have gone to the Senate to ensure that disaster management funds are realized to help respond to disasters such as this,” he said.
With meteorological forecasts indicating the possibility of more rains in the coming weeks, the senator warned that the situation could worsen if urgent mitigation measures are not implemented.
“We are anticipating more rains and we are calling on disaster response teams to relocate the victims to safer grounds,” Okech urged.
Residents have also appealed to Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege and other local leaders to step in and provide lasting solutions to the recurring flooding.
Many locals argue that short-term relief alone will not address the long-standing problem of floods that affect the region nearly every rainy season. They are now demanding the construction and rehabilitation of permanent dykes along the rivers as well as improved drainage systems.
The residents have also urged the Migori County Government to activate its emergency disaster response fund to support the affected communities and prevent further loss of lives and property.
Senator Okech emphasized that while the relief supplies will provide temporary reprieve, the scale of the disaster requires a coordinated response from government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and development partners.
“Everywhere in the county is in dire need. While we have brought food supplies, we acknowledge that it may not be enough. Institutions that have allocations should initiate cash transfers to help families purchase other essential items they need,” he said.
As floodwaters continue to rise, affected families remain hopeful that the calls for urgent intervention will be heeded before the situation spirals further into a full-blown humanitarian disaster.
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