By Boniface Gikandi
Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning killed a man and left a trail of destruction in Murang’a town.
The entire area was also left without electricity and water for hours after lightning struck power lines.
James Maina Runo died after a block from a building he was sheltering under fell on him.
The deceased, who was waiting to board a vehicle to Mukuyu market was rushed to Murang’a District Hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.
A number of other buildings located on a hill had their roofs blown off by strong winds leaving thousands of people homeless.
Other houses developed cracks after huge trees fell on them causing more panic.
houses flooded
Murang’a Rescue Centre had its roof blown off leaving children without accommodation.
Tenants, especially those living on ground floors and basements were forced to relocate after their houses flooded.
Officials of Markie Investment, an estate management firm in Murang’a, said they were accessing the situation and added some of the buildings they manage were destroyed.
Roads in most parts of the town were blocked after huge trees collapsed. Some fell on power lines and disrupted water supply.
Areas such as Milimani, Sports Club and Mukuyu remained closed as police directed motorists to use alternative routes to join Murang’a-Nairobi road after trees fell and blocked the highway.
In Kiharu and Mumbi estates, residents with kitchen gardens counted losses after their crops, including bananas were swept away by floods.
Traders at a market were on Monday counting loses after they found most of their property damaged.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
hiring casuals
Murang’a North OCPD Chris Mshimba on Sunday night coordinated clearing of roads with Municipal Council of Murang’a officials hiring casuals to join police to remove logs from the road.
A similar disaster struck Murang’a town seven years ago with trees falling on houses and blocking roads for hours.
Kenya Power officials worked round the clock trying to reconnect power in the town.
On Monday, Murang’a East DC George Natembeya said disaster management team was on high alert.
He added some of trees that fell included those locals had opposed that they should not be cut because they were of historical significance.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join