Move to higher grounds, Garissa residents told as Masinga Dam set to spill content

By: The Friday Bulletin

NAIROBI—The Water Resources Authority is warning against spill over of Kiambere Dam. The spill will affect residents of Garissa, Hola and Tana Delta who have been advised to move to higher ground.

The water authority said expected overflow will be caused by the heavy rains that are pounding most parts of Mount Kenya, Aberdare catchments, as well as local run off.

Last week,  the Kenya Red Cross has warned residents in Garissa and Tana River counties over impending floods due to the rising water level in River Tana.

The warning was issued on Sunday by Kenya Red Cross North-eastern regional manager, Muhammad Abdikadir as he led the distribution of relief support to 400 victims at the Ziwani IDP camp.

The regional manager observed that more people are likely to be displaced and houses could be washed away by floods.

“Unfortunately more waters mean more disasters in form of displacement. Since the rains started, we have been sending early warnings through the local stations and media to residents living along the river to move to safer grounds,” he said. 

North-eastern Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya chairman Sheikh Abdinasir Ali appealed to donors and well-wishers to donate whatever little they have to assist the affected families.

“As you can see the numbers of those in need of assistance is big. It is our responsibility as Kenyans to be mindful of each other. You don’t have to be a millionaire to assist,” he observed.