Homes destroyed, hundreds displaced as landslide hits Nyandarua village

Dozens of houses have been destroyed in a landslide that has displaced tens of families at Gachuha village in Githioro Ward, Nyandarua County.

The landslide occurred due to heavy rains experienced in the region.

There were no reports of any casualties in the Friday afternoon incident but authorities said at least ten houses were completely destroyed and several others suffered damages.

County Commissioner Boaz Cherutich confirmed that there no casualties but said the search and rescue team was waiting for the rains to subside.

He said the National and County governments were working on how to assist the victims with shelter and food.

Nyandarua County Executive committee member in charge of Disaster Management Ndungu Wangenye, said a search and rescue team was on the ground but the ongoing rains were making things difficult for the team.

Wangenye told the Standard that about 20 families and an estimated 50 individuals have been forced out of their homes and were in need of aid.

The displaced families have camped at Gachuha Primary School.

The team of rescue workers, county staff, police and local administration were combing the village -trying to establish whether there were any casualties.

"We are traversing the affected area to help rescue the affected families. However, no casualties have been reported,” he said.

According to residents, the area experienced heavy rains on Friday in the afternoon followed by lightning.

"There were heavy rains then a massive landslide on the upper side of river Turasha. Right now, we do not know the exact number of the people that have been affected." said Ms Jane Muthoni, a resident.

She noted that they have since witnessed livestock and houses that have been swept away by raging floods.

“My neighbour has lost her five heads of cattle and her house swept away. We are still searching for the rest of her livestock. It is very terrifying" she said.

Another resident, James Mugo, noted that residents in the area have since moved to higher grounds as the rains continue to hit the area. "We are all safe. We have since moved to higher grounds despite our property being destroyed." He noted.

Two weeks ago, the village witnessed heavy floods that saw eight families displaced after River Turasha burst its banks.