Residents of Syokimau and Katani in Machakos County have been urged to relocate to safer areas, after their homes were submerged by flash floods due to heavy rainfall.The County Chief of Staff, Lawrence Ngovi, asked families affected by the floods to relocate immediately until the government declares the areas safe for living.He spoke, today, at 360 apartments in Syokimau when he led a multi-agency team to tour the area and assess the situation.'We are not sure of the rains, so find safer areas to go to avert loss of lives and property,' said Ngovi.The Chief of Staff said heavy rains have caused flash floods in Katani, Phase II, and Syokimau, where residents remained marooned in their houses for the better part of the day, while vehicles that had been parked outside the houses were submerged in water.Ngovi said the county government was digging trenches to drain the water and rescue the marooned families.'We are collaborating with the National Government to ensure your safety, and we ask for your cooperation,' added Ngovi.Athi River Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Mwangi, assured them that the government will evacuate all families affected by the floods. Thus, Mwangi attributed the flooding to poor drainage and asked residents to relocate to safer grounds.'The Multi-agency team has directed that all affected households be evacuated from the premises due to the ongoing heavy rains to avoid any disaster,' said DCC Mwangi.Hence, he called upon well-wishers to donate both food and non-food items to help the affected families.Source: Kenya News Agency