Kilungu: Kilungu Sub County has responded to the crisis caused by the ongoing heavy rains in parts of Makueni County by establishing a new evacuation center at Kavata Nzou. This facility is now home to over 74 households, marking it as the fourth such center in the area, following St. Patrick’s Primary School, Kwa Kituku, and Katulye.
According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke at St. Patrick’s Kawese Primary during an inspection, the region has seen significant destruction of houses and loss of property due to the rains. He highlighted the urgent need for support, appealing to partners and well-wishers to aid the government’s efforts in providing food and non-food items to the displaced residents, whose numbers are continuously rising.
Mang’oka issued a warning against attempting to cross flooded rivers, citing the risks involved. He mentioned recent rescue efforts, including the saving of a 32-year-old man from Muambani Village in Kalawa Ward, and the unfortunate drowning of a man in his 40s at Kiongwani Kwa Kivai Dam. These incidents underscore the dangers presented by the current weather conditions.
The ECM revealed that the floods have resulted in the loss of 20 lives and 18 injuries across the county. Additionally, he expressed concern over the impact of the rains on agriculture, noting that waterlogged farms have led to the destruction of crops such as maize and beans. This destruction will likely result in a need for relief food provision in January.
To address the immediate needs of the displaced, provisions including kitchen sets, mosquito nets, bar soap, clean water jerricans, and tarpaulins have already been distributed to those at the Katulye evacuation center.