Taita Taveta: 4 Killed, Homes Submerged After Voi River Bursts Its Banks

• Four people were killed after Voi River burst its banks, sweeping through several villages in Voi town
• The Kenya Red Cross Society mission team hurried to the scene to rescue the people who were trapped by the rising waters
• Two people were reported missing as the search for other residents continued amid the rising floods and heavy rainfall in the country

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Four people have been confirmed dead after the Voi River burst its banks, sweeping through villages in Voi town.

According to Citizen Digital, two other individuals were reported missing while the search was still ongoing.

The accident left scores of families stranded as their homes and property were submerged by the heavy floods.

When did the Voi River burst its banks?

The flooded Voi River broke its banks on Monday morning, December 4, due to the current heavy downpours experienced in the country.

The Kenya Red Cross Society had sent a rescue team to the scene to lift families to a safer destination.

"Voi River burst its banks this morning, causing flooding in villages within Voi town. The Kenya Red Cross is on-site, conducting search and rescue operations for families marooned by the rising waters," a statement read.

The heavy rains have claimed more than 59 lives, displacing several families across the country.

Pregnant woman swept away by flash floods

In April of this year, an expectant woman and her three children died after flash floods swept their home in Mwatate, Taita Taveta county.

According to Assistant County Commissioner Margaret Mwaniki, the house was put up on a river bank that had dried up.

"We are suspecting it could be flash floods. Amekaa karibu na valley ambao huwa ni mto kawaida. Maji yalipokuja wenzake wakatoka wale majirani naambiwa lakini yeye akarudi ndani akajifungia. Sasa ndio wakabebwa na maji pamoja na watoto (She has been staying by the valley, which is usually a river. When the water came, his neighbours left, but he went back inside and locked himself in. Now they were all swept away by the water, including the children)," stated Mwaniki.