Ouma Wanzala
21 August 2007
Nairobi — Five people are feared dead after a canoe they were travelling in capsized in Budalang'i floods.
The incident happened at Nanjomi village near Magombe, district officer Mounde Nyamboga said.
Mr Nyamboga said the canoe was carrying 12 people from Makunda to Port Victoria.
Three of them were students; one at Shamakhokho High School and the others at John Osogo High and Makunda Primary.
"We have rescued seven of those who were in the canoe and are searching for the remaining five," said Mr Nyamboga.
The district officer called on the locals to avoid the flooded areas.
Busia police commander Simon Kipkeu and Mr Nyamboga led residents in the search.
Holiday tuition
The district officer said divers had moved to Bwalwanga point where the bodies of the missing victims were expected to emerge.
"The students were travelling to school for holiday tuition while a woman with her child were going to Port Victoria sub-district hospital for treatment," said Mr Nyamboga.
Residents led by councillor Michael Congo appealed to the Government to assist the flood victims.
"We called earlier on the Government to move in and rescue the flood victims but it has taken long," said Mr Congo.
Homeless people
More than 18,000 Budalang'i residents have been displaced by floods after River Nzoia burst its banks and broke the dyke at Bwalwanga point.
Makeshift camps have been set up at Mukhobola Primary School, Mukhobola health centre, Mubwayo and Lugare Primary School.
Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala has called for a permanent solution to the floods menace.
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