The Siaya County Government, under the leadership of Governor James Orengo, has stepped in to support over 600 households in East Yimbo Ward affected by devastating floods. The relief effort included the distribution of essential food items such as maize, flour, seeds, and rice to help alleviate the immediate suffering of families displaced or struggling due to the disaster. The flooding, which also swept away a vital bridge at Ulungo village, has significantly disrupted daily life, with residents facing challenges in accessing food, healthcare, and transportation. This relief initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to responding swiftly to disasters and ensuring the well-being of affected communities.
The food distribution is part of a broader disaster response strategy by the Siaya County Government. This strategy includes not only the provision of food and non-food aid but also the evacuation of families from high-risk flood zones, relocation to safer grounds, and environmental restoration efforts such as tree planting to address the long-term impacts of climate change. Governor Orengo emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions and directed county departments to implement these measures urgently to minimize future vulnerabilities and safeguard lives and livelihoods in the region.
During his visit to East Yimbo Ward, Governor Orengo inspected the collapsed bridge at Ulungo and instructed the Department of Roads and Public Works to initiate reconstruction efforts immediately. Restoring the bridge is critical to reconnecting the area, allowing the safe movement of people and goods. This intervention highlights the county’s proactive approach to rebuilding essential infrastructure to ensure that recovery from the disaster is swift and effective. The governor’s visit also underscored his hands-on leadership in addressing the community's pressing needs during this challenging time.
In addition to the infrastructural and logistical support, Governor Orengo personally extended financial assistance to Mr. Thomas Ondinjo and his family, who tragically lost their son in the flood. The cash donation is intended to help offset funeral expenses and provide some relief during this difficult period. The floods also swept away livestock and crops, with three cows still unaccounted for in the affected villages of Ndiwo, Komulo, Kasawo, and Odhuro. Such losses underscore the economic impact of the disaster, further reinforcing the need for comprehensive recovery measures. To address healthcare needs in the region, Governor Orengo pledged to restock the Ulungo Dispensary with adequate medical supplies and deploy additional medical personnel. This commitment will ensure that residents have access to critical healthcare services during the recovery period.
The governor was accompanied by key county officials, including CECM for Governance, Administration, and ICT Mr. Agunda Ochanda, Chief Officer Hon. Walter Okelo, and Director of Disaster Management George Francis Aola, his counterpart Director Public Communication Chrispine Omondi, the area MCA Hon Francis Otiato, Nominated MCA Madam Julie Akinyi Okello, Bondo Sub-County Administrator Mr. Vincent Kanyang’onda, and East Yimbo Ward Administrator Linet Okuku among others. Their presence emphasized the coordinated efforts of the county government in delivering relief and rebuilding affected communities.