By: Hassan Yarrow
Year after year, the people of Garissa County are left to endure the devastating consequences of floods, witnessing the loss of lives, displacement, and the isolation of entire regions.
Despite the magnitude of these tragedies, it appears that our leaders and government remain indifferent to the plight of our community.
The recent boat accident, which claimed more than 35 lives , serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing negligence that perpetuates the suffering in Garissa.
As we mourn the loss of our loved ones and pray for the safe return of the missing, it is crucial to address the systemic issues that contribute to these avoidable disasters.
A Cycle of Inaction
It is disheartening that floods, a recurring calamity in our county, continue to wreak havoc year after year without any substantial efforts to mitigate their impact. Lives are lost, families are displaced, and entire communities are cut off from the rest of the country for weeks on end.
Yet, our leaders seem to turn a blind eye to our suffering. The story of the hornbill’s pain, which I learnt in my primary English Grade Six, has become our region’s painful reality.
It is a stark reflection of the apathy and inaction that characterize the response to these crises.
The Human Toll
Yesterday’s tragic boat accident serves as a heart-wrenching example of the human toll these disasters inflict upon our community.
I again extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, praying that they find the strength to endure these untimely losses.
Simultaneously, we fervently hope for the safe recovery of all the missing individuals. However, hope alone is not enough. It is high time that our leaders step up and take concrete actions to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place.
An Urgent Call for Caution
In the face of these ongoing challenges, it is imperative that we, as a community, take proactive measures to protect ourselves. We must exercise caution when travelling, particularly through the flood-prone areas of Boji and Madogo.
It is incumbent upon every individual to prioritize their safety and be vigilant in the face of potential dangers.
While we do our part, it is crucial that our leaders and government reciprocate our efforts with robust initiatives to prevent and minimize the impact of floods.
Demanding Accountability
As citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable for their inaction and indifference.
It is their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the people they represent. We cannot allow our voices to be drowned out by the floods that engulf our county.
It is time to demand transparency, urgency, and a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of these disasters. We deserve a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens above all else.
We must unite as a community, demand accountability from our leaders, and work together to bring about the change necessary to prevent future tragedies.
Only then can we hope to alleviate the pain and suffering that has plagued our region for far too long.
The Writer is a communication consultant based in Mandera County
hassanyarow56@gmail.com
