Disaster struck the Mwea region of Kirinyaga County on Wednesday night when the Thiba River burst its banks, leaving over 700 residents from three villages homeless.
The raging flood waters caused extensive damage to property, destroying crops and homes in the vast Mwea irrigation scheme.
Mwea known for its thousands of acres which house the largest irrigation scheme in Kenya, engages in the growing of the basmati 370 rice variety known locally as “pishori.”
The scheme relies heavily on the Thiba river as well the Nyamindi river as a source of its irrigation water, therefore the devastating effects of the flood have severely crippled the region.
Thiba River Destruction
Residents are still grappling with the shock of the flooding, which they say is the worst they have experienced in the last three decades.
“We have never seen this kind of flooding since the 1980s. Even people in their thousands have nowhere to sleep or anything to eat,” said Dominic Murungi, a resident of Thiba.
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Another resident, Tony Kamau, added that they had lost all their possessions, including their homes and food, in the floods.
“We have no business, no place to sleep, and no food to eat. We appeal to the government to come to our aid as soon as possible,” said Kamau.
What authorities are doing
The Kirinyaga County Commissioner, Hussein Allasow Hussein, while speaking to the media explained that he has sought assistance from the National Irrigation Authority to desilt the river and expand the canals leading to the farmlands to help drain the floodwaters.
He also advised residents to exercise caution and relocate to higher ground to avoid further risks posed by the ongoing heavy rain.
“We urge people to be vigilant and not to panic, as this rain may continue. I advise residents to move to higher ground, such as the area near Thiba Primary and Thiba Secondary schools,” he said.
Kenya Met Department’s earlier warning
The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier issued a heavy rain advisory for various parts of the country, including the Central highlands, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and the coastal region.
The advisory issued on April 1st read, “Expect widespread rainfall across the country, with heavy downpours forecasted for Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Southeast lowlands, Coast, Northeast, and Northwest regions.
“Stay prepared 4 potential flooding in these areas.” the statement went on to read.
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Additionally, the advisory also stated that the rains are expected to persist up to April 8, 2024.
Residents are calling for immediate humanitarian assistance and have urged the government to provide food, shelter, and other essential items to those affected by the disaster.
The Kenya red cross in response said it was monitoring the situation in Kirinyaga. “Our team is actively monitoring the situation for any developments and has advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and consider relocating to safer locations if the situation persists.”
