Kirinyaga residents urged to vacate flood-prone areas

Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Allasow, after chairing the county disaster management committee meeting on Monday /ALICE WAITHERA

Kirinyaga residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to be on the lookout for heavy rains and be ready to move to higher grounds.

County commissioner Hussein Allasow said the area has received above normal rainfall in the last few days.

He also cited a report by the Kenya Metreological Department that highlighted the county as one of the areas that will be receiving heavy rainfall.

The commissioner said on Monday that Mwea and Ndia constituencies have experienced floods in the past and urged residents to keenly observe the rain pattern for their safety.

In April last year, more than 700 residents were displaced after Thiba river burst its banks, devastating rice farms and occasioning huge losses to farmers.

The floods followed a similar alert by the Kenya Meteorological Department and reduced harvests.

Mwea Irrigation scheme accounts for more than 60 per cent of Kenya’s rice production and contributes significantly to the country’s food security.

“We have held a meeting as the county disaster management team, including the Kenya Red Cross and other partners, and are ready for any eventualities and to mitigate against any loss of life,” Allasow said.

He said the team is monitoring the situation but urged residents to play their part by ensuring they move from areas prone to landslides.

“Our call is to those living next to Thiba river and in Ndia, where earth movements have been reported before, to move to safer areas,” Allasow said.

Speaking after chairing the county disaster committee meeting, he said being vigilant is the only way residents can protect their lives and property.

While assuring residents of the county’s readiness to intervene in cases of floods, the commissioner said preparedness measures have already been rolled out, including creating awareness on the looming danger.

“I want to emphasise that people should leave their homes at the first sign of danger but measures have been put in place to ensure response is done as fast as possible in case of any eventuality,” he said.

Meanwhile, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has urged county commissioners in all flood-prone counties to be on the look-out.

He said the national emergency teams have already been activated to deal with possible flooding and he will be going round the counties ensuring they are prepared for the heavy rains.

Ruku cited areas such as Lower Tana region, areas surrounding Nzoia and Nyando rivers that have experienced heavy floods in the past.

“The government is ready to ensure no lives are lost and mitigate the effects of the heavy rains. County commissioners should ensure they report as soon as possible in case such occurrences happen for intervention,” he said.

Speaking at St Andrew’s AIPCA Church in Mailune, Igembe North, Meru county, Ruku said his ministry is working with the National Drought Management Authority, the National Disaster Management Unit and the National Youth Service to provide support for those affected by the rains.

Instant Analysis

County commissioner Hussein Allasow has said the area has received above normal rainfall in the last few days. In April last year, more than 700 residents were displaced after Thiba river burst its banks, devastating rice farms and occasioning huge losses to farmers. The floods followed a similar alert by the Kenya Meteorological Department and saw farmers’ harvests reduced. Mwea Irrigation scheme accounts for more than 60 per cent of Kenya’s rice production and contributes significantly to the country’s food security.