Deadly Storm Kills One, Leaves Several Families Homeless in Marakwet West
The incident has reignited debate about the need to improve early warning and disaster preparedness, particularly in climatically vulnerable regions.
They appealed to the relevant authorities, such as disaster management teams, to take swift action to offer help to the affected families. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
One person has lost their life, and several families are without shelter in Ngorngoro’i village, Marakwet West Sub-County, as a resulting impact of a violent storm that occurred in the region on Monday.
The storm, which came along with a high intensity of rain, thunder, and strong winds, hit the village at about 12:30 p.m., catching the residents by surprise. Trees were overturned, houses were flattened, and roofs were torn off due to the high winds that blew through the village.
A middle-aged female lost her life when a large tree crushed her at her residence. Two other residents suffered serious injuries and were rushed to a neighboring hospital for treatment. They were said to be in a critical but stable condition at the time of reporting.
A number of homes suffered complete destruction and extensive damage, displacing dozens of families. Some residents took refuge with the help of neighbors and family members after the homes became unfit for habitation.
Witnesses have described occurrences as sudden. Joseph Cheboswony, a local, said: “The weather suddenly changed. The clouds looked odd, and within a short time, trees began shaking and falling by themselves before the onset of the strong winds.”
Another resident, Oliver Rotich, has confirmed the information, adding that there were no warning signs before the storm hit. “One moment it was calm, and then suddenly dark clouds formed, and the winds started blowing very strongly. Nobody had the chance to react,” Oliver Rotich explained.
Local leaders who visited the site showed concern with the level of damage caused and appealed for swift action from the government. They appealed to the relevant authorities, such as disaster management teams, to take swift action to offer help to the affected families.
The displaced residents have made an appeal for food assistance, temporary shelter, bedding, and medical care for the wounded. Some displaced persons have reportedly lost their household effects following the destruction caused by the storm.
The incident has reignited debate about the need to improve early warning and disaster preparedness, particularly in climatically vulnerable regions. Locals called on the Kenya Meteorological Department to improve communication of weather alerts to prepare the community in advance. As the cleanup begins, the affected families are still in great need of assistance in rebuilding their lives after the devastating effects of the storm that left people dead.
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