Move to safer areas, Garissa residents urged as floods continue causing havoc

Residents have been asked to move to higher areas (Courtesy)

GARISSA—Garissa County residents who reside along the now inflated Tana river and flood prone areas have been asked to migrate to safer areas.

Addressing the press in his office on Friday, the County Commissioner Joshua Chepchieng said the water levels of the river have drastically risen from the normal 4.0 meters to 4.9 meters posing danger to residents along the river.

The Commissioner stated that the most affected areas are Gurufa in Lagdera Sub County,  Mansabubu in Fafi Sub-County and parts of Dadaab and Balambala Sub- counties.

“We have just come out of a severe drought situation to a very wet one. We have received above normal rains. Last night it rained for over 10 hours continuously. We are foreseeing flooding along the river Tana,” he said.

Residents fear possible outbreak of water born diseases. (Courtesy)

Roads to Bura, Masalani, Ijara, Balambala and Madogashe are cut off and getting relief food to those areas is not possible.

The Kenya Red Cross together with local chiefs are on the ground trying to asses and monitor the situation providing assistance when possible.

North Eastern Counties have been constantly neglected by successive regimes making them lag behind in developments as compared to other parts of the country.

Chepchieng noted the County Steering group which he chairs has given orders to ministries of health, water. Livestock and agriculture to  double up their activities in readiness to cub disaster that emanates from floods.

The Meteorological Department said rains will continue till late May.

Tusmo Ogle, the Kenya Red Cross County coordinator said toilets in many villages in the outskirts of Garissa town have caved in following the heavy rains.

“We fear for possible outbreak of cholera and other water-borne diseases. We have sent out teams to access the damages and requirements for the affected families in Gurufa, Bura and other flooded areas in Dadaab sub-county,” she said.