Radio Lake Victoria 92.1 FM, a renowned Luo radio station in Nyanza located at Kisumu’s Dunga Beach, has been submerged by the backflow of Lake Victoria’s water. The station, built offshore of Lake Victoria, is now underwater.
Radio Lake Victoria 92.1 FM serves as the Voice of Lake Victoria, broadcasting news throughout the Lake Victoria Region in East Africa while also playing a pivotal role in community sensitization regarding the conservation of flora and fauna around the lake. Moreover, the station offers entertainment with traditional sounds from the region, including ohangla and nyatiti music of the Luo Community.
This unfortunate incident occurs amidst the displacement of over 5,000 individuals in Kisumu County due to heavy rains. The rains have led to backflow, a reverse flow of water from Lake Victoria, resulting in the submergence and isolation of numerous homes.
Affected areas include Nyando, Kadibo, and Kisumu Central sub-counties. Benson Leparmorijo, Kisumu County Commissioner, stated that displaced families have sought refuge in various evacuation centers, with some finding temporary shelter in schools.
“We have families residing in camps, while others have been accommodated by relatives in elevated areas to mitigate the risk of loss of life,” remarked Leparmorijo.
The commissioner urged residents in flood-prone zones to relocate to higher ground to ensure their safety and access to aid. He further informed that relief food has been distributed to affected families at evacuation centers, with the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the county government, implementing medical assistance measures.
Additionally, the Kenya Red Cross is actively involved in evacuating marooned families, while efforts to redirect the water flow are underway. Excavators have been dispatched to Kadibo and Muhoroni to facilitate the clearance of drainage systems.
