Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo has cautioned residents living in landslide-prone areas to be vigilant due to the ongoing heavy rains.
This was after a landslide cut off over three acres of farmland in Kamutungi Village in Embu west Sub-county on Tuesday last week, leading to destruction of livelihoods of over 10 families.
No one was injured during the 7am massive landslide that left behind close to 10 feet deep as land surface stretching over 500 meters washed away into River Ena.
The landslide washed away crops including arrowroots, muguka stems, trees, beehives, bananas and sugarcanes.
Also affected was Government land that served as water intake for Embu-Mbeere in 1970’s before relocation to the upper side of River Ena where pumps and water pipes were destroyed.
The County Commissioner called on residents to desist from carrying out any activity in the area until a proper assessment is done.
“We have cordoned off the area until the situation is addressed,” he said while speaking about the flooding situation in the county from his office on Monday.
He also reported that the County Disaster Management Committee was assessing the impact of the ongoing heavy rains and advocating safety measures for communities in landslide-prone areas.
One of the affected residents Joshua Kinyua said the landslide had left them helpless as the crops they depend on for upkeep were washed away.
“We are asking the government to assist us in getting on our feet again,” he pleaded.
He also said they are living in fear as other parts of the area had started developing cracks.
At the same time, the CC reported that they are also monitoring the situation at the Seven Forks Dams that were fast filling up.
“Our teams are on the ground to get real-time data on the dam’s situation and disseminate the same to the relevant authorities,” he reported.
By Samuel Waititu
