Mwea Floods Displace 750+ Folks!
Due to heavy rains, the Thiba River has overflowed, displacing over 750 residents in Mwea, Kirinyaga County. Extensive damage to property and farmlands within the Mwea irrigation scheme has occurred.
The Kirinyaga County Commissioner, Hussein Allasow Hussein, urgently called upon the National Irrigation Authority to intervene. Desilting of the river and expanding the canals are necessary to alleviate flooding and mitigate further damage. As a precautionary measure, residents have been advised to relocate to higher ground, particularly around Thiba Primary and Thiba Secondary schools.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a heavy rain advisory for several regions, including the Central highlands and coastal areas. They forecast continued rainfall until April 8, 2024. Persistent precipitation exacerbates the flooding situation, posing significant challenges to affected communities.
Residents, surprised by the scale of flooding, recall no such event since the 1980s. Displacement has left communities grappling with loss of shelter and access to basic necessities like food and clean water.
The flooding adversely impacts residents beyond displacement. Business operations disrupt and infrastructure damage is widespread. Tony Kamau, a resident, emphasizes the urgent need for government assistance to support those affected and help them rebuild their lives.
Mwea residents’ plight underscores the critical importance of effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. Displacement serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by natural disasters and the collective responsibility to provide support during crises.
Do you think the government failed to implement adequate measures to prevent the Thiba River from bursting its banks, despite repeated warnings from forecasters of heavy rainfall?
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