Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties...00-families-displaced-by-swelling-rift-lakes/
Close to 76,000 families displaced by swelling Rift lakes
Rising water levels have led to submergence of nearly all riparian land, destruction of crops and structures
18 November 2021 - 22:00
LOISE MACHARIA
In Summary
Lake level rise has led to submergence of nearly all riparian land, destruction of crops and structure and displacement of thousands of people.
In Baringo, schools, hospitals, hotels and roads several kilometres from the shores of Lake Baringo were submerged.
About 76,000 families have been displaced by swelling lakes in Rift Valley since the mysterious increase in water bodies started in 2010, a scientist has said.
Thechla Mutia, a senior environment and natural resource scientist, said lake level rise has led to submergence of nearly all riparian land, destruction of crops and structure and displacement of thousands of people. Mutia is attached to the Geothermal Development Company in Nakuru.
Speaking during a recent workshop for journalists organised by Internews’ Earth Journalist Network in collaboration with Egerton University, Mutia said the water rise in lakes and dams in Rift Valley started in September 2010 and significantly spread to many areas in 2013.
“The situation worsened during the 2019 mild El nino periods as per the Kenya Meteorological Department,” she said.
The situation led to the loss of livelihoods, injuries, disease outbreaks, security and safety implications and negative mental, physical and social effects on human lives.
Mutia added that the displacements led to the loss of services, socio-economic disruption and ecological or environmental degradation.
In Baringo, schools, hospitals, hotels and roads, situated within several kilometres from the shores of Lake Baringo, were submerged as residents feared that the fast growing lake might join neighbouring lakes Bogoria and 94.
Previous reports indicated that several islands in Lake Baringo were almost covered up by water, forcing Kenya Wildlife Service to relocate animals living there.
Mutia said an interplay of factors contributed to the increased water levels, among them increased moisture availability as seen in the discharge of rivers feeding the lakes, and increased runoff due to land-use changes...
Close to 76,000 families displaced by swelling Rift lakes
Rising water levels have led to submergence of nearly all riparian land, destruction of crops and structures
18 November 2021 - 22:00
LOISE MACHARIA
In Summary
Lake level rise has led to submergence of nearly all riparian land, destruction of crops and structure and displacement of thousands of people.
In Baringo, schools, hospitals, hotels and roads several kilometres from the shores of Lake Baringo were submerged.
About 76,000 families have been displaced by swelling lakes in Rift Valley since the mysterious increase in water bodies started in 2010, a scientist has said.
Thechla Mutia, a senior environment and natural resource scientist, said lake level rise has led to submergence of nearly all riparian land, destruction of crops and structure and displacement of thousands of people. Mutia is attached to the Geothermal Development Company in Nakuru.
Speaking during a recent workshop for journalists organised by Internews’ Earth Journalist Network in collaboration with Egerton University, Mutia said the water rise in lakes and dams in Rift Valley started in September 2010 and significantly spread to many areas in 2013.
“The situation worsened during the 2019 mild El nino periods as per the Kenya Meteorological Department,” she said.
The situation led to the loss of livelihoods, injuries, disease outbreaks, security and safety implications and negative mental, physical and social effects on human lives.
Mutia added that the displacements led to the loss of services, socio-economic disruption and ecological or environmental degradation.
In Baringo, schools, hospitals, hotels and roads, situated within several kilometres from the shores of Lake Baringo, were submerged as residents feared that the fast growing lake might join neighbouring lakes Bogoria and 94.
Previous reports indicated that several islands in Lake Baringo were almost covered up by water, forcing Kenya Wildlife Service to relocate animals living there.
Mutia said an interplay of factors contributed to the increased water levels, among them increased moisture availability as seen in the discharge of rivers feeding the lakes, and increased runoff due to land-use changes...