Weatherman issues landslide warnings in Murang'a

40 Murang’a families have been advised to relocate following the weatherman’s forecast on impending landslides in the region.

The heavy rainfall across the country has set off a series of landslides which have claimed tens of lives. Murang’a, being a landslide-prone area, is on the weatherman’s watch as the rains continue. Thus families living in the upper parts of Kangema and Mathioya have been asked to move to safer areas.

“Effects of mudslides have been experienced in Gitugi and Kiambuthia areas in Mathioya Sub-county where destruction has been reported,” said Gitonga Mugambi, The Kenya Red Cross Society manager for Mt Kenya region.

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Educations exams at Kiambuthia Secondary School was briefly interrupted as the candidates had to be transferred to another room following a landslide.

88 spots in the sub-counties of Mathioya, Kahuro, Kangema and Kigumo have been found with cracks in the ground – a precursor to landslides.

According to the Murang’a County meteorological director Paul Murage, the areas at risk are  Kaganda, Kahatia, Inoi, Kenya Njeru, Kayu and Kiarathe. Geologists found cracks in the areas last year.

“We advised Murang’a residents to be alert and report to chiefs any cracks in the areas,” said the director.