More than 200 people have been rescued after their houses flooded at Graceland Estate in Athi River sub county following heavy rains.
The residents were evacuated after River Athi burst its banks according to Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Speaking when she toured the area, the governor termed the situation as dire but said all those affected by the floods were evacuated to safety and no fatalities were reported.
“Some of the houses are completely submerged especially in the slum areas and we are appealing to locals living near the banks of river Athi to move to safer grounds because the rains will likely continue,” added Wavinya.
The governor highlighted Kicheko slums, Graceland Estate, Kasuitu and Kwa Mangeli as the worst hit areas.
“The multi-agency team that comprises of the county emergency response team, the Kenya Navy, Red Cross Society, the National Government Disaster Management Centre and the Kenya Police are combing flooded areas to evacuate residents to safety,” she added.
She said majority of those rescued are staying with their relatives while those without alternative places to live are seeking shelter at a rescue centre set up at Kinanie Dispensary.
“We have provided medication and sufficient food and other essentials for the affected families,” noted Wavinya.
The governor issued a stern warning to developers that have built in riparian land that they will be forced out to prevent further flooding and disaster in the future.
“We are going to enforce the law and ensure that those that putting up buildings in such areas are evicted,” said Wavinya.
By Roselyne Kavoo
