ReliefWeb

By ANTHONY KITIMO akitimo@ke.nationmedia.com

More than 50 families have been left homeless after a whirlwind destroyed their houses on Tuesday night at Tsangastini location in Kaloleni district.

Ten houses, shops and kiosks in Karimani village were flattened during the 6.30pm incident leaving the families in the chilly weather.

Mr Shikari Kombe, one of the villagers said the incident occurred just a few minutes after it started raining but no one was injured.

“There was a loud thunder followed by strong wind which first swept all the roofs of first six houses. After few minutes, the second strong storm hit flattening the houses and four others but luckily the occupants had already left their premises so nobody was injured,” said Mr Kombe.

Mr Kombe said a two-year-old boy was rescued from the debris of their house unhurt where he was sleeping when the incident happened. He said power supply was also interrupted after six power poles were brought down by the whirlwind.

Kenya Red Cross officer in charge disaster Mwanaisha Hamisi said support team has been sent in the area to collect information and give assistance to the affected families.

“We have people on the ground and we are gathering data to prioritize their demands as rain season begin in the region,” said Ms Hamisi.

Kaloleni district commissioner Fredrick Ayieko said ten houses were completely destroyed and they need reconstruction while the Kenya Power and Lighting Company have already moved to the site to replace damaged power lines to avoid any injuries.

“We are still accessing the damage but we assure the affected families will get support from the government,” said Mr Ayieko.

He said the region is prone to whirlwind and cautioned residents to be vigilant during this rainy season.