Severe hailstorm leaves a trail of destruction in Narok, Kenya

Residents of Narok in Kenya, woke up to a blanket of snow and a trail of destruction Monday morning, September 7, 2020, following a heavy hailstorm that struck the town overnight. Wide swaths of crops were severely damaged, leaving farmers devastated as they estimate huge losses.

The storm, accompanied by freezing cold temperatures, began Sunday night, September 6, engulfing streets and roads with ice. 

According to Narok County Meteorology director Peter Runanu, the hailstones measured around 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches) in diameter. 

"It is true that lower parts of Mau such as Enaibelbel, Olokurto, and Kisiriri as well as the upper Mau of Melili ward witnessed the hailstorms. This happened as the cloud billow that covers sides of Mau all the way to Nyandarua fell causing the storm."

Locals, as well as farmers, have started counting losses after the storm left a path of destruction, particularly destroying wheat, potatoes, and maize crops.

"All the potatoes have just been reduced to bare vines. No leaves! This is a huge loss to me because without leaves it means zero production," said Olokurto Ward resident John ole Pesi.

Runanu noted that the incident is beyond government or individual control, and asked locals to take shelter in the event of severe storms.

Featured image credit: Char-lee Oddie