Floods wreak havoc in Tana River

By Paul Gitau

TANA RIVER, KENYA: Thousands of residents in Tana River County are counting their losses following the devastation caused by floods.
The floods have mainly been as a result of Tana River bursting its banks, as the rains currently pounding most parts of the country have not been experienced in the area.
Heavy rains from Ngong Hills, Aberdares and other parts of the country drain into the river, which eventually empties into the Indian Ocean at Kipini area.
The floods have left a family from Mulanjo village in Madogo Division in Bura mourning after three of their kin drowned.
Bura OCPD Joseph Tonui said the three perished after their house was submerged as they slept.
Police identified the deceased as Ambia Issak, 90, 53-year old Jillo Hassan and his two-year old child, Miriam Jillo.
Residents also suffered heavy losses after Tana River burst its banks two weeks ago and flooded thousands of acres of farms, destroying crops.
In Bura District, more than 3,500 people have been displaced by floods and are camping at Mororo Primary School and Garissa Farmers Training College.
Bura District Deputy County Commissioner Reuben Loyotoman said yesterday that more than six villages have also been marooned.
He said more villages are expected to be washed away after water levels at the river increased to 5.4 metres.
Mr Loyotoman said transport from Bura to Hola and Garissa has completely been cut off after three sections of the highway were washed away by floods.
flash floods
“We have a huge transport problem after sections of the highway were washed away by flash floods,” said Loyotoman yesterday.
The collapsed sections are at Bil Bil, Bulkanotu and Bura.
The Deputy County Commissioner said they have managed to evacuate the marooned families to safer grounds. He, however, said they are unable to supply them with relief food as the roads have been cut off.
Tana River Region Disaster Management Officer Michael Aiyabei said the situation was getting worse day by day. Mr Aiyabei also said floods have destroyed part of the Government’s multi-million Bura and Hola irrigation schemes, with crops being washed away.
“Even our own drivers are risking trying to access the area to rescue the stranded families,” he said.
In Garsen, it is double tragedy for over 6,000 families of Tana Delta clashes victims after their houses were washed away by floods.
Aiyabei said there are 15 temporary camps that have been established along Gamba and Mina areas to cater for the displaced families.
A Red Cross official said they have distributed tents, kitchen wares and other non-food items to the displaced families.