A new evacuation centre has been established at Kavata Nzou, Kilungu Sub County to host more people being displaced from their homes by the ongoing enhanced rains in parts of Makueni County.
The new camp with over 74 households becomes the fourth after those at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Kwa Kituku, and Katulye that were created earlier in the County.
“We have witnessed many houses being destroyed by the raging rains pounding parts of Makueni County. Property of known amount has also been washed away and left the people with nothing,” said Devolution Executive Committee Member (ECM) Japheth Mang’oka at St. Patrick’s Kawese Primary on Tuesday during an inspection of the camp that has over 300 people.
“I appeal to partners and well-wishers to supplement government efforts in donating food and non-food stuff to meet the needs of the displaced people whose number is increasing each day,” reiterated Mang’oka.
He warned the area residents against closing flooded rivers as they risked death, adding that the government will deal firmly with individuals who fail to heed the government’s call.
“Yesterday we rescued a 32-year-old man from Muambani Village in Kalawa Ward and was taken to Kalawa Hospital for medical care. Unfortunately, a man in his 40s drowned in Kiongwani Kwa Kivai Dam and his body was taken to Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital Mortuary,” he lamented.
Mang’oka disclosed that so far they had lost 20 people to floods, while 18 others had been injured across the County, during this period of enhanced rains in the area.
The county executive further lamented that many farms have been flooded with the increased rains, completely destroying crops like maize and beans.
“Our farmers are counting losses after their crops were destroyed due to farms getting waterlogged. This implies that in January these people will be provided with relief food,” disclosed Mang’oka.
Earlier on the displaced people at Katulye were provided with kitchen sets, mosquito nets, bar soap, clean water jerricans, and tarpaulins among other items.
By Patrick Nyakundi
