Kwale residents rendered homeless following heavy rains

Several residents of Kinondo in Kwale County were left homeless following heavy rains which pounded the area Saturday morning.

Confirming the incident, area chief Ali Riga said the rains and strong winds, which have been experienced for the last three days, ripped off roofs, swept property and destroyed vegetation in the area.

“The rains were heavy, they were accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, we are in touch with the Kenya Red Cross so that they can help us manage the situation,” he said.

A resident identified as Anthony Steva narrated how he narrowly escaped death after his house collapsed on him.

“As the rains continued, I started feeling cold and my house started falling. I decided to walk out and that is when it came trembling. Luckily, I managed to escape with minor injuries. I was lucky my house is made of mud and makuti so it did little harm,” he said.

Schools and hospitals were not spared either. At Kinondo Secondary School, the Deputy Headteacher Mr Rashid Kamanza said the school lost property of an estimated Ksh 2 million in value.

Residents have been urged to be careful and move to higher grounds during this rainy season.