The Kenya Red Cross has called for “emergency action” amid intensifying rains and floods that have so far killed at least 15 people and displaced more than 85,000 households in Kenya.
The World Meteorological Organisation said that El Niño, the phenomenon behind the heavy rains, is likely to persist at least until April 2024.
The Kenya Red Cross reports that the counties of Garissa, Tana River and Kilifi were at risk of flooding as the heavy rains push water in the Tana River beyond “critical levels”.
In the neighbouring Mandera county, the town of Elwak town has been entirely submerged. For a town that relies on shallow wells and boreholes, this is bound to create serious health concerns.
“The humanitarian situation is dire. Thousands require life-saving interventions in food, water and access to health care. We must mobilise urgently and to the right scale,” Kenya Red Cross CEO Ahmed Idris said.
Critical towns cut off after roads swept away
Critical road infrastructure connecting major towns in Northern Kenya has also been cut off. This may affect the supply of major commodities to the local markets if the floods do not recede.
The road from Garissa to Wajir has been completely cut-off a few kilometres before Modogashe town. KENHA has also issued an advisory warning motorists against traveling on that route.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify the public plying the Garissa – Modogashe – Wajir (A13) Road of a washout of the Road about 45 kilometres from Modogashe town area – 102kms from Modika – along A13 Nuno – Modogashe Road,” reads the KENHA notice.
The Isiolo – Merille Road is flooded with heavy siltation at Kirish Centre, rendering it impassable.
In West Pokot County, the Kadoto River along Marich Pass Road was flooded, hence disrupting movement along Kitale-Lodwar Road.
El Nino rains have also swept through East Africa in recent days. The heavy rains have led to flooding in parts of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.
