By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
A multi-agency team has been dispatched for rescue efforts after a bus carrying at least 51 passengers was swept away by raging floods.
Reports indicate that the incident happened at Lager Aleri in Tana River Tuesday morning.
According to Tana River County Police Commander Ali Ndiema, the Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) involved in the incident belongs to Umma Express.
It was headed to Nairobi from Garrisa.
Kenya Red Cross, in an update on its social media pages said rescue efforts are ongoing with the help of locals.
Two boats have been availed by the agency to help in efforts to rescue the passengers trapped in the bus.
The humanitarian agency however described the efforts as challenging.
“Kenya Red Cross first responders in collaboration with community members are currently engaged in a challenging rescue operation to save the lives of several people stranded aboard a bus that has been marooned by raging waters at Arer near Tulla village, Tana River County,” noted Kenya Red Cross in an update.
“The incident occurred following heavy downpour. We have dispatched two rescue boats to ensure swift and effective response,” it added.
The country has been witnessing heavy rainfall in the last few days.
Forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicate that the rainfall is expected to continue for the next few weeks.
