Over 100 families displaced in floods, mudslides

More than 100 families from Mwiki and Kiuu locations of Kiambu County have been displaced after flash floods  swept through the area.

According to Jane Muthoni, a victim, the residents have lost a lot of properties and they are now living in fear of invasion by animals.

Additionally, residents said they fear an outbreak of water borne diseases due to the influx of water resulting from heavly rainfall.

They stated that the water running from the drainage on the Thika Super Highway has increased the volumes of water running downstream Kasarani and Kiuu rivers, which is now a threat to people residing near the two rivers.

The affected families have since sought temporary shelter from the neighborhood awaiting aid from the government and well-wishers.

The displaced families are in urgent need of food stuff and clothing.

County officials and provincial administration, who were involved in the rescue efforts,have urged those living flood in prone areas to move to safer grounds.

Mudslide in West Pokot

Elsewhere, over 200 families have been displaced by mudslides caused by the heavy downpour in West Pokot County.

Residents of Kerelwa, Pokot South Sub County have been urged to vacate their homesteads as the region may experience mudslides.

Several residents, among them children, were injured after their houses were hit by stones following the mudslides.

According to area Chief Mr James Yego, over 300 people have been affected by the displacement, and they have temporarily sought refuge in schools and churches even as the rains continue.

The affected families are now appealing to both the county and national government to assist in relocating them as well providing food, drugs and nonfood items.

Farmers in the area, who majorly depend on onions for their livelihood, are also counting losses after rains swept their major road linking them to markets in Ortum Trading Centre, 50kms away. The onion farmers are now forced to use donkeys to ferry their products.

Some farmers are saying that they are likely to run losses as the  downpour has forced them to prematurely harvest their onions.

Those injured during the mudslide were taken to Ortum Mission Hospital for treatment and later discharged.