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Residents living in areas prone to landslides in Murang’a County have been urged to move to safer grounds.

This follows several incidents where houses have been destroyed by landslides following heavy rains in the area.

In Ndurumpo village, Mathioya sub-county, eight houses have been rendered inhabitable by a landslide. Residents have been left counting losses and are appealing for help.

For Phyllis Muciku, it was a narrow escape after a mudslide hit her house shortly after she went to bed but she was rescued by neighbours.

“I have no home and everything in it has been destroyed. I don’t know where to start in rebuilding my life,” she said.

Landslides signs

Assistant County Commissioner Evelyne Matu urged residents to report any signs of landslides in the area to the authorities.

In Wanjerere, Kangema sub-county, six families have been advised to move out of their homes where the earth is moving downhill. In the same locality about 100 tea bushes have been swept away by a landslide.

No casualties have been reported in all the incidents.

County meteorological officer Paul Murage said assessment is being done on the areas but advised people to be on the lookout for danger signs.

He said areas which have had landslides before are at high risk of a recurrence.

“All the people living in these areas have been advised to relocate to safe grounds or seek accommodation with relatives,” said Murage.