People living in landslides prone areas in Murang’a have been urged to move to safer grounds as heavy rains started pounding the country.

Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the areas are potentially risky and the rains are likely to cause more destruction.

Speaking when he visited landslide victims in Kangema, the PS said mapping by geologists indicated that the area which had seismic movements are unsafe for human habitation and the residents ought to permanently relocate.

According to the PS the mapping was done to help build up an advanced geo hazards surveillance system and enhance the preparedness to combat the natural calamities such as landslides and floods.

“Every area that has been affected by a landslide before is potentially risky and thus the need to be on the lookout for any danger signs,” he remarked.

“We have areas where cracks have been developing on the ground and some have been getting deeper and wider and we are urging people to report such things to the authorities,” he added.

He said the ministry in collaboration with other government departments will initiate the rehabilitation of the damaged parcels of land by planting trees.

Kangema MP Peter Kihungi said some of the families whose land were affected by the landslides have been camping in a church compound.

“About 25 families have been camping in a local church because their houses and land were destroyed by landslides and they are appealing to be resettled,” said Kihungi.

In Nyanza, farmers who spoke to People Daily, expressed joy saying they have returned to the farming fields.

Mzee Jacktone Omollo from Kano rice plains. said: “We thank God, we are back to the farms.’’

Maize farmers like Mzee Domnic Apiyo, Boniface Orwa, and Mama Mary Adoyo dashed to their farms yesterday morning to till the land, thanks to the rains.

Apiyo, with his weathered hands and deep-set eyes, spoke passionately.

“After such a prolonged season of drought, we must remember to thank God.”