In a dramatic rescue operation, a 74-year-old man, Nyolo Ngeti, stranded on Ndeini island in Wamunyu, Machakos County, for an agonizing seven days after River Athi flooded, has finally been saved.
Ngeti, who had ventured to the island to look after his cattle, found himself marooned when water levels in the river surged, rendering him unable to make the perilous journey back to the mainland.
His harrowing ordeal came to an end on Tuesday morning when rescue efforts organized by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti culminated in his safe return.
Recounting his traumatic experience, Ngeti disclosed that he survived the week-long ordeal without consuming any food and was compelled to drink the flooded water for sustenance.
“I have suffered on the island, and I thank Governor Wavinya Ndeti for organizing a boat to rescue me. I will henceforth warn everyone against getting near flooded places,” expressed Ngeti, visibly relieved to be reunited with his family.
This incident adds to a series of recent rescues from the treacherous waters of River Athi during this rainy season. Last Friday, seven individuals stranded in the Kabaa area were airlifted to safety after enduring three days amidst the raging currents.
Additionally, another individual was rescued in Oldonyo Sabuk, while a five-year-old boy was airlifted by police from the Ndiuni area in Katangi after spending five days stranded on an island.
Rita Ndunge, the Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Transport, who supervised Ngeti’s rescue operation, issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to steer clear of flood-prone areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The string of rescues underscores the perilous nature of navigating flooded regions during the rainy season and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding weather warnings and exercising caution near water bodies prone to flooding.
As communities grapple with the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, authorities and residents alike are urged to prioritize safety measures to mitigate the risk of further tragedies associated with flooding in Machakos County and beyond.
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