The government has initiated the process of dismantling camps that provided shelter to victims of the devastating Mai Mahiu flash floods, which struck on April 29, 2024.
This move comes three weeks after the tragedy, which claimed the lives of over 60 individuals, destroyed homes, and left many injured.
The aim is to assist the Mai Mahiu victims in rebuilding their lives and returning to a sense of normalcy.
Over the weekend, the disaster management committee took action, accompanying victims from the PBB Children’s Home camp to their affected land.
This effort sought to identify legitimate owners of parcels where homes were swept away by the floodwaters.
Among them, 11 families whose houses remain intact but were submerged have been instructed to leave the camp immediately and return to their homes.
However, this directive was met with apprehension by some victims, who expressed concerns about the safety of returning home amidst the possibility of further flooding if rains persist.
On the other hand, victims whose houses were completely destroyed have been given a two-week notice to identify rental accommodations in the area.
Each affected family is slated to receive Ksh.5,000 in monthly rent for a period of three months.
However, many victims feel that this amount is insufficient to cover their housing needs adequately.
Of the 46 families housed in the PBB camp, 8 have already vacated and returned home by the end of the week.
At the camp, psycho-social support services continue to be provided to the victims, particularly those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.
This assistance aims to help them cope with the emotional and psychological toll of the disaster.
As the government works to dissolve the camps and assist victims in transitioning back to their communities, efforts are ongoing to address the broader issues of disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Authorities are also exploring ways to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, including improved infrastructure and early warning systems.
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