Landslides displace 1,000 families

By KENAN MIRUKA

More than 1,000 people in Gucha South have been displaced from their homes by landslides.

Residents of Nyasasa, Bogichoncho and Kabiero villages have now been forced to camp in nearby primary schools following the incident.

Gucha South DC Geoffrey Mayama said 118 households have been affected by the recent landslides that destroyed houses and crops. The affected families are camping at Riamenya, Bogichoncho and Nyasasa primary schools and are in need of humanitarian aid.

South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya visited the affected families on Monday and called on relief agencies to urgently intervene and provide humanitarian aid.

“The Ministry of Special Programmes and other agencies should come to the aid of these people. The hilly villages are not suitable for human habitation so the Government should seek alternative settlement for them,” said the MP.

Last year, about 600 people in the same villages were affected following mudslides that destroyed homes after heavy downpour.

About 300 households at Mochorwa, Nyasasa and Kiagware villages, which are on the edge of a steep ridge, were forced to camp in local primary schools.  Nyanza Provincial Geologist Martin Nyakinye visited the area and said the mudslides are caused by sliding of unconsolidated fine soil and rock boulders due to gravity. He advised residents to move to safer ground.

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landslides