Teso North Sub County—A significant downpour on Tuesday evening resulted in one fatality and injuries to at least five others in the region. The storm also displaced over 35 families in the Osia and Papai areas, leveling houses and cutting off electricity in parts of Ang’urai North Ward.
According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, the deceased has been identified as 72-year-old Pelesta Akumu, who died when her house collapsed due to the heavy rain. Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Stephen Wambura corroborated this and emphasized the need for rapid intervention from national disaster agencies and humanitarian organizations. Wambura stated, “For now, I can confirm one person died. There are five others who have been hospitalized, and the destruction on people’s farms is abnormal.”
Those receiving treatment at the Ang’urai Health Centre include a woman and her two children. Two additional injured individuals are at Kocholia Referral Hospital. The heavy rains caused infrastructural damage as well, including the partial blockage of the Osia-Kakurikit-Katotoi road that serves as a link between Kenya and Uganda.
Farmers and business owners are reporting substantial losses. Stephen Karani, a resident from Osia, noted the destruction of crops including bananas, tobacco, and avocado trees, as well as some livestock.
Local government officials are now calling for immediate assistance. Angurai North MCA Issac Wamalwa mentioned that this event marked the first time Ang’urai Ward had witnessed a storm causing this level of destruction and loss of life. The downpour follows closely after a windstorm destroyed six classrooms at Dadira primary school in Butula sub-county and affected numerous houses across Busia County.
The event contradicts President William Ruto’s recent statement, in which he indicated that the country would not experience El Nino rains as previously forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Department. Teso North Constituency Manager Richard Opangala warned against underestimating the ongoing rainfall’s impact, stating that precautions must be taken in Busia County.