GARISSA — Three bodies have been retrieved after a boat capsized along the Garissa-Madogo Road in the flooded Kona Punda area, resulting in 20 people still missing. The accident occurred last evening around 6:30 p.m. when the boat, carrying 41 passengers, overturned.
According to Kenya News Agency, the boat was significantly overloaded, attempting to ferry at least 45 individuals despite its capacity. This incident comes in the wake of the Tana River breaking its banks due to ongoing heavy rains, which have severely impacted the region. The resulting floods have severed the main Garissa-Nairobi highway at Madogo, prompting locals to opt for boat transport over the closed road sections. The usual fare of Sh 30 charged by public service vehicles has skyrocketed to Sh 1500 on these makeshift water transports.
At the scene, the Kenya Red Cross alongside local authorities from Garissa and Tana River counties have been conducting rescue operations. They successfully rescued 22 passengers amidst challenging conditions as darkness fell. Local police have since sealed off the flooded zone to prevent further access, underscoring the severity of the situation.