Families in Teso North Sub-county, Busia County, are counting heavy losses after floods triggered by days of heavy rains swept through their farms and homes. The overflowing Malaba and Malakisi rivers have left hundreds of acres of farmland submerged, destroying food crops and leaving residents staring at hunger and uncertainty.
In the villages of Amoni, Akiriamas, and Akiriamasit, maize, beans, and other staple crops were washed away in the raging waters. For many households, these farms were the sole source of food and income. Now, residents say they are unsure how they will sustain their families in the coming weeks.
“This was our only source of food and income. Now the water has taken everything,” lamented a farmer in Amoni.
The floods have also damaged several homes, forcing families to seek refuge with neighbors and relatives. Parents fear that the stagnant floodwaters could worsen the situation, as they have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases. “Our children are already falling sick, and we fear an outbreak of malaria,” said a mother from Akiriamasit village.
Beyond the immediate need for food and shelter, residents are calling for a long-term solution to the perennial floods. They are appealing to both the county and national governments to consider building embankments and proper drainage systems along the Malaba and Malakisi rivers to reduce the risk of future flooding.
“This cannot keep happening every rainy season. We need a permanent solution, not just emergency food,” said another resident.
Local leaders and humanitarian agencies are being urged to step in with urgent relief aid, including food supplies, mosquito nets, and temporary shelters, to help families navigate the crisis. With farms destroyed and homes damaged, the community now faces a double burden of food insecurity and health risks.
As the rains persist, residents of Teso North remain on edge, fearing that the situation could worsen if interventions are not made swiftly. For now, their plea is simple: relief today, and a lasting solution for tomorrow.
