Traders at Dunga Beach in Kisumu County are counting heavy losses after strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall destroyed several businesses and flattened makeshift structures earlier this week.
The downpour, which began on Sunday evening, left a trail of destruction, damaging hotels, market structures and other properties as traders struggled to protect their businesses.
At least four hotels were destroyed, while dozens of makeshift structures were flattened by the strong winds.
Property worth an unknown amount was also destroyed, leaving several traders facing an uncertain future.
Four people sustained injuries during the incident after being struck by falling objects and debris.
The injured are receiving medical attention.
Millicent Atieno Ogada, the chairlady of Dunga Fish Market, said the destruction had affected several traders, with some businesses losing their structures and equipment.
Ogada noted that the fish market shade where traders operate was also destroyed, further disrupting their daily activities.
She expressed concern over the possibility of more destruction, given that weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall in the region.
The market chairlady appealed to local leaders and relevant authorities to intervene and support the affected traders as they work to recover from the losses.
Francisca Odhiambo, another trader at Dunga Beach, said the incident had shocked many people, leaving some traders afraid of returning to their normal activities.
She said the destruction had disrupted livelihoods, with several traders still struggling to salvage whatever remained of their businesses.
Following the incident, some traders have begun reinforcing their remaining structures in preparation for possible further rainfall, while others are still clearing debris and assessing the damage.
The destruction was not limited to Kisumu County.
In Vihiga County, strong winds also destroyed three houses and flattened crops in Em'machika Village, leaving residents shocked by the extent of the damage.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier issued weather alerts warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms in several parts of the country, including the Lake Victoria Basin.
The latest forecast indicates that rainfall is expected to continue in various regions, including the Coast and Lake Victoria Basin.
The continued threat of heavy rains has heightened concerns among residents and traders in affected areas, many of whom are yet to recover from the latest destruction.
Affected traders are now appealing for urgent intervention from local leaders and disaster management authorities to help restore damaged structures, support injured residents and prevent further losses as the rainy conditions persist.
