Powerful Storm Destroys Homes in Osiri Village, Kisumu West
Close to 50 families in Osiri village, Kisumu West, were rendered homeless on Monday night after a powerful storm, accompanied by a heavy hailstorm, swept through the area.
The intense evening downpour caused widespread destruction across the lakeside community, forcing many residents to spend the night exposed to the cold, with their homes damaged or completely destroyed. Local resident Kephas Kasera described the event as unprecedented.
Several houses, particularly those constructed with mud walls, were flattened, while strong winds ripped off rooftops. Large hailstones shattered windows, sparking fear and panic among residents, especially children.
Kasera described the scale of the destruction as massive and called on the relevant authorities to provide urgent assistance to the affected families.
By Tuesday morning, no officials from either the county or national government had visited the village to assess the damage or offer support.
Meteorological Context
Meteorologists had recently issued warnings of increased rainfall across western Kenya, and this storm serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks to vulnerable communities in the region. Residents now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amid uncertainty.