Tragedy struck Ngurubani in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, as heavy floods on Monday night forced over 100 families to evacuate their homes, leaving 13 houses destroyed in their wake.
Seeking shelter from the relentless deluge, the displaced families found refuge in a local private school, courtesy of Tebere ward MCA Peter Karinga, who opened the doors of his institution to accommodate them. However, concerns loom over the impending challenges, as Karinga voiced uncertainties about sustaining aid provisions and expressed apprehensions regarding potential disease outbreaks.
The catastrophic floods ensued after the Thiba River breached its banks, exacerbated by the relentless downpour that has plagued the region.
The havoc wrought by the floods extended beyond residential areas, affecting businesses and livelihoods. Residents and traders in Maisha Kamili, Mwea rice mill, and adjacent areas incurred substantial losses, estimated in millions, as their properties succumbed to the deluge.
David Maina, a trader in Ngurubani town, lamented the recurrent nature of the flooding, attributing it to inadequate drainage systems. He urged both the county and national governments to address this longstanding issue, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Residents of Ngurubani recounted the harrowing experience of watching floods ravage their homes, resulting in the loss of essential household items and belongings.
In Kirinyaga Central, an additional 13 families faced homelessness as their dwellings fell victim to the destructive force of the floods. Member of Parliament for Kirinyaga Central, Gachoki Gitari, identified the affected families hailing from Kanyekiine ward, urging concerted efforts to mitigate their plight.
Martin Kagunda, the Kirinyaga County Red Cross coordinator, issued a fervent plea to residents, urging them to relocate to safer areas as the floodwaters continued to pose imminent threats to lives and property.
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