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Kenya: 1,000 Families Left Homeless as Lake Turkana Water Rises

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5 years ago

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More than 1,000 families living along the shores of Lake Turkana have been displaced after water levels rose to a record high due to the ongoing heavy rains in the country and in neighbouring Ethiopia.

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok confirmed that the surging water levels have moved from the usually 500 metres from the shoreline to 800 metres.

“The swelling lake has so far submerged the once dry white sandy beaches, beach hotels, public offices and nearby homes where at least 1,000 families have been displaced,” Mr Nanok said.

He noted that the lake is also infested with crocodiles and hippos which when aided by the water will expose affected people to attacks.

While calling on villagers to move to safe grounds, the governor said that fishing has also been interrupted rendering hundreds of people jobless.

Hotels submerged

“Some hotels have been submerged and the fisher folks and residents near the lake have lost business. The adverse effect has already been felt in Turkana North and Turkana Central sub-counties.” Mr Nanok said.

Turkana North MP Christopher Nakuleu said that the unusual situation is greatly attributed to flash floods resulting from heavy rains which have been pounding Southern Ethiopia since last year.

He said that there has been continued excessive flooding in Southern Ethiopia, directing the flood water to Omo River, the main source of water for the lake.

“Due to frequent rains, there has also been consistent residual inflow from Turkwel River and major seasonal rivers contributing to the lake, resulting into a sudden rise in water levels,” Mr Nakuleu said.