Makueni County, Kenya – Recent heavy rains have led to flash floods in Makueni County, resulting in the displacement of over 188 households across the region. The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Makueni has released a report detailing the widespread impact of the floods, which have caused significant loss of property and crops, affecting particularly 108 families.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Red Cross Coordinator for Makueni County, the most affected constituencies are Kibwezi West, Kaiti, Kilome, Makueni, Mbooni, and Kibwezi East. The floods have displaced a total of 752 people so far. Peter, speaking at a County Steering Group (CSG) Committee meeting in Wote Town, highlighted the severe consequences of the El Nino rains, including property destruction, loss of livelihoods, and disruptions to local markets, transport, and communication.

The floods have also claimed lives, with one body recovered from River Kavuti at Athi River, while livestock and poultry have been lost in Mukaa and Kasikeu. Efforts to evacuate livestock to higher ground are underway. The meeting, co-chaired by Acting County Commissioner Mr. Moses Gicharu and Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, underscored the urgent need for food and non-food items for people in evacuation centers.

Health concerns have risen due to contaminated water supply and submerged toilets, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera. The emergency team has emphasized the necessity for an immediate adequate food supply, focusing on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five.

The team appealed for non-food items such as bedding, buckets, solar lamps, mosquito nets, utensils, toiletries, sanitary pads, and reliable sources of firewood or charcoal. They also recommended the provision of drums or tanks for rainwater harvesting to ensure clean water access.

Evacuation centers have been set up in Kawese, St. Patrick’s Primary School Mitini Social Hall, and Kyakituku. Deputy Governor Mulili emphasized the need for psychosocial support, especially for mothers and children in the camps, and lauded the multi-agency approach for bringing synergy in relief efforts.

The county government, represented by Executive Committee Member for Devolution Japheth Mang’oka, has contributed essential food items, including beans, maize, sugar, rice, and milk, to assist the displaced families.