- Ouko said of the eleven, one person died in Machakos Town, four in Kalama, four in Athi River, one in Matungulu and another in Kangundo sub-counties, all in Machakos County.
- She said 11, 010 people were affected in the county while seven others were reported missing with a search mission ongoing to find them either alive or dead.
Image: GEORGE OWITI
At least 12 people have died while seven others are reported missing as a result of floods in Machakos County.
County Commissioner Josephine Ouko said the statistics were as of April 30, 2024.
She said the numbers were cumulative since heavy rains started pounding the country a few weeks ago.
Ouko said of the 12, one person died in Machakos Town, four in Kalama, four in Athi River, one in Matungulu and another in Kangundo sub-counties, all in Machakos County.
She said 11, 010 people were affected in the county while seven others were reported missing with a search mission ongoing to locate them.
“528 people were affected in Machakos town, five in Kalama, 10,300 in Athi River, 117 in Matungulu, three in Kangundo and 57 in Yatta sub-counties,” Ouko told the Star on Tuesday.
The administrator said 2, 183 households had been so far displaced by the floods across the county.
She said the incidents were caused by floods, flash floods, mudslides and landslides.
271 displaced people are in rescue camps across the county.
There are only two such camps in Machakos County, both located in the Athi River subcounty; Athi River primary school has sheltered 237 displaced persons while 34 others are accommodated at Kinanie Health Centre in Athi River and Kinanie wards respectively.
Ouko said various infrastructures were also destroyed and damaged across the county.
“In Machakos Town subcounty, a footbridge was destroyed at Kasaini village in Kivutini sublocation, access roads to homes were damaged, and a classroom at Kakikunduni primary school in Kiima Kimwe collapsed,” Ouko said.
Kiaeni and Inyooni bridges in the same subcounty were also destroyed, 46 houses collapsed and electricity poles and wires were destroyed.
Ouko said there was a need for repairs of infrastructure damaged by the heavy downpour across the county.
She noted that there was a need for sensitization on the pending dangers through public barazas and local media stations.
"Assistance of construction materials and foodstuff is required. Destroyed roads also need to be redirected," Ouko said.
On interventions already undertaken by her administration, Ouko said there was ongoing public sensitization and monitoring.
She told residents to decist from crossing flooded bridges, be vigilant when sleeping and move to higher grounds for their safety and security.
"Residents have sought assistance from the County Government of Machakos and are searching for the body of Mutuku Peter Mbungo who drowned in River Wanyama," Ouko said.
The administrator said various roads were impassible in the county.
They include Quarry Road near Waridi farm phase 3 in Mlolongo and Katani Road which is cut off within the Drumvel area.
Ouko said the Mto Wa Mawe Bridge along Devki - Kinanie Road was flooded, while the Hippo Pool Bridge at NRB National Park had been washed away.
She said there was a need to repair damaged roads to restore normal transport.
"NGAO team continues to remain vigilant through sensitization of communities on flood matters, distribution of food and non-food items to the affected households across the county," Ouko said.