More than 100 families were forced to flee their homes, and 13 houses were destroyed following heavy floods on Monday night in Ngurubani, Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

Confirming the tragedy, Tebere ward MCA Peter Karinga said the families were forced to seek refuge in a local private school.

He said the floods occurred after river Thiba broke its banks following heavy rains.

“I have given them food but I don't know what I will do tomorrow. I need help because there is even fear of diseases outbreak.”

The heavy rains and flooding started on Monday night, and residents and traders at Maisha Kamili, Mwea rice mill, and those living near Wanguru stadium lost millions of dollars in property.

“This is due to the poor drainage system because it is not the first time this happens in Maisha Kamili and other parts of Ngurubani town. We have been talking about this problem, something must be done by the county government of Kirinyaga and the national government,” David maina, a trader in Ngurubani town said.

Ngurubani residents said floods swept through their houses, and they lost most of their household items.

In Kirinyaga Central, about 13 families were also left homeless after their houses were destroyed.

 Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament Gachoki Gitari said the affected families are from the Kanyekiine ward.

Kirinyaga County Red cross coordinator Martin Kagunda has urged the residents to move to safer grounds.