Kirinyaga residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to move to higher grounds.
County commissioner Hussein Alasow said the area has experienced rainfall above average, causing flooding in places like Mwea West, and Kirinyaga East and West.
“So we are advising residents from these areas to move to safer grounds," he said.
Alasow said those who have nowhere to move to should liaise with their local administrators so they can identify a safe place where they can settle.
“Do not wait until your house is swept away or you are marooned by floods or worse, loss of life. Take action early,” he said.
He said a father and son had been marooned by floods and his office had to send a team to rescue them and assess the situation.
Alasow said although there have been no deaths or injuries reported as a result of the floods, there has been damage to farms, crops, houses and businesses.
Kirinyaga has no designated rescue places for flood victims as it has had no history of flooding.
“In other areas with a history of flooding, they already have designated rescue centres, but here we do not have designated rescue centres where we can move people to,” he said.
Alasow said they have identified a temporary place in Mwea West-in Thiba primary and secondary schools- where those affected can be hosted.
Those in Kirinyaga West where a village has been experiencing flash floods are being integrated into their relatives and neighbours’ households.
However, he said, those who have no places to move to can go to the nearby schools or churches.
