Heavy rains, strong winds damage buildings, vehicles in Kisumu
The downpour lasted about 20 minutes but caused damage in several parts of the city.
Kisumu, Kenya experienced heavy rains and strong winds on Thursday, causing significant damage to buildings and vehicles, according to reports on October 8. The downpour lasted around 20 minutes but resulted in damage across various parts of the city. On Obote Road, a section of the wall at Jumbo Steel Mills Hardware collapsed, prompting workers to evacuate swiftly for safety.
Cashier John Otieno recounted seeking refuge under a table while observing workers hastily leaving the premises. "I ducked under the table as I heard the screams of workers who were scampering out," he described.
Along Jomo Kenyatta Highway, strong winds brought down a billboard, causing damage to parked vehicles. Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, who inspected the affected area, confirmed that at least four structures had been damaged by the combined impact of heavy rain and strong winds. "There is damage to one, two, three, four structures as a result of the heavy rain followed with the strong winds," Mwabudzo stated.
He urged landlords and tenants to conduct inspections of buildings, especially older ones, as forecasts predict continued heavy rains and strong winds. Mwabudzo cautioned that the reported damage represents only a fraction of potential issues, warning that poorly maintained structures could pose significant risks during such weather events.
The two damaged buildings on Obote Road were deemed old, with aging roofs, raising concerns about their structural integrity. Security personnel were stationed at the scene while city planning authorities assessed the impacted structures and advised on subsequent steps. Residents were advised to exercise caution near old buildings, billboards, and other vulnerable structures that could collapse or be uprooted during intense weather conditions.
Kisumu is among several areas anticipated to face rainfall during the ongoing rainy season from October to December, with recent forecasts warning of heavy precipitation in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
