Passengers on a bus that was swept away by floodwater on Tuesday in Tana River clung to a rope as they crossed the falls to get to safety.
All 51 passengers who were in the bus that was heading to Nairobi escaped to the high metal after the car failed to cross the river in the area of Lager Areli which was swollen due to floods.
A video that went viral on social media showed many of them stuck on top of the sunken bus for several hours waiting for rescue.
The video also shows how the bus is falling on the road while trying to cross a waterlogged area following heavy rain. In the same video recorded, the driver was seen trying to control the bus as the flood continued to sweep it away.
Police report shows that the bus was heading to Nairobi from Wajir had 51 passengers. During the tragedy, noises could be heard after the bus got stuck about 30 meters from the main road.
Report also indicate that all the passengers were rescued according to the statement released on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by the Kenya Red Cross Society that the operation was successful.
The community explained the process during the rescue operation, revealing that the rescue team gave priority to the sick, women and children. Adding that as community they will continue with the operation to help road users who were stuck after the road was damaged.
“All the passengers in the bus have now been rescued, priority being given to children, sick and women. However, our efforts continue as we continue rescue the other travelers who were stuck due to the road being cut off in Areli area near the Tulla Bridge, Tana River County” they said.
Record floods have killed tens of people across East Africa in the past six months. Scientist say climate change is causing more frequent and extreme weather events.
