One year after devastating floods swept through Mai Mahiu, leaving over 60 people dead and hundreds of families displaced, survivors are calling on the government to fulfill its promises and provide permanent solutions to their plight.
The victims, many of whom are still living in temporary shelters, say they have been abandoned despite repeated pledges by government officials to resettle them and help them rebuild their lives. They expressed frustration that little has been done to restore their homes or livelihoods, with the majority unable to return to their farms, which have since become barren.
“We feel forgotten,” said one of the victims. “After all the promises, we’re still here with no land to farm and no homes to go back to. We need more than just words – we need action.”
The floods, which struck in 2024, were among the worst natural disasters in the region’s history. In the aftermath, government leaders visited the area and committed to supporting survivors through reconstruction and relocation programs. However, a year later, the affected families say those promises remain unfulfilled.
As they mark the anniversary of the tragedy, the victims are urging the government to prioritize long-term interventions, including sustainable housing and restoration of agricultural land, to prevent future suffering.
“We are not just asking for aid – we are asking for dignity and the ability to live and work again,”
The victims now hope that their renewed appeal will draw national attention and push authorities to act swiftly before another rainy season threatens to worsen their already dire situation
