Villagers marooned after river burst banks

Flooded village in Magarani, Kilifi County after River Sabaki burst its banks following heavy rains in upcountry. (Photo:Wiberforce Okwiri/Standard)

By Wilberforce Okwiri

Kilifi, Kenya: More than 200 people have for the last one week been stranded at a hill in Kolobani area in Magarini district, Kilifi County after being marooned by floods.

River Sabaki burst its banks following heavy rains that are being experienced in the upcountry.

On Tuesday, Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) evacuated at least 200 people who had sought refuge at the hill after River Sabaki burst its banks, leaving several people marooned, animals and farms swept away and infrastructure destroyed.

The KRCS led by the Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet, evacuated at least 132 children and some 86 adults from the village using a chopper and boats to Karemboni Primary School where the families are currently camping.

Kenya Red Cross Coordinator incharge of Malindi and Magarini Hassan Musa said they had dispatched a boat in a bid to access the village but their efforts have been unsuccessful.

"We have attempted to access the hill but the water levels are increasing and we have not managed to evacuate them," he noted.

The KRCS personnel distributed non-food items (NFIs) that included blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, soaps and jerry cans.

There is a huge need for health services as most of the affected population is already suffering from different health-related conditions such as throat infections, skin infections and jiggers, among others.

They are also living under cold conditions and have only tarpaulins provided by the KRCS.

Meanwhile in Garissa, the Tana River burst its banks on Tuesday, 16th April 2013 affecting Ziwani, Bakuyu, Bula-Kamor and Bula- Punda and Wiza villages and left at least 1,920 people displaced.

The KRCS and the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) coordinated the evacuation of the affected populations to the Garissa Farmers Training Centre and IKIP Primary School and the Village Polytechnic.

The DDMC led by the KRCS are still conducting assessments for more interventions and updates.

And in Gichiiki Village of Thika West District of Kiambu County, at least 86 households (HH) were affected after River Athi burst its banks on Sunday 14th April 2013. 

As a result, some 45 HH are currently camping at Kianjahi Primary School. The KRCS Thika Branch will carry out distribution of NFIs.

-Additional reporting by Paul Gitau