Tana River County has raised alarm over impending floods and calls for evacuation of people from river banks, as River Tana swells following heavy rainfall upstream.
Tana River Governor Maj (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana and Area County Commissioner (CC) Joseph Mwangi, have separately issued fresh warnings to residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher grounds to avoid being victims of severe flooding predicted in the coming days and weeks.
This follows weeks of rising water level of River Tana that meanders the length and breadth of Tana River County.
Consequently the authorities are urging people living in the river banks, flood prone areas and lowlands to relocate to safer areas to avoid disasters.
Flooding along the Tana River basin has become a near-annual crisis, often leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
In previous seasons surging waters have swept away homes, submerging farmlands and displacing thousands of families, forcing many into temporary camps with limited access to basic services.
A spot check by KNA, shows that water levels continue to rise, due inflows from seven folk dams that have filled-up and are on the brink of spilling water downstream.
The Authorities have lamented that people in such areas are lethargic in complying with the flood directives aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of flooding.
Residents have been instructed to move away from the river banks into temporary shelters being set-up for displaced residents.
The Seven Folk Dams of Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere are cascades of five major hydroelectric power stations located along the Tana River.
The series of dams managed by KenGen regulate water flow for power generation and flood control and are usually emptied of excess water as rainfall persists causing flooding in downstream counties of Garissa and Tana River.
Governor Godhana said the devolved government has identified high grounds and established emergency camps with shelters in readiness for the floods.
He said reports indicate that KenGen might commence the release of excess water from their reservoirs anytime as heavy rain pound upstream, keeping the risk of further flooding high.
“I urge those living near the river banks and in low-lying areas to evacuate because the water level will suddenly rise and endanger lives,” he said.
The County Boss promised food supplies, blankets and beddings and emergency medical aid for all evacuees.
He advised that the floods could be witnessed anytime, imploring those living on the river banks to evacuate to safety.
Godhana called on those in flood-prone zones to temporarily relocate to IDP camps as plans are underway to later move them into identified village clusters.
He also announced that the construction of low-cost housing, aimed at benefiting local communities often affected by floods, is set to begin this month.
The Governor said residents in areas such as Mororo and Madogo in Bura Sub-county, already affected by floods, have received relief assistance from the County government.
Tana River County Commissioner (CC), Joseph Mwangi, called on area residents to strictly follow evacuation orders, due to the risk of heavy flooding.
Mwangi said Chiefs and their Assistants are informing residents to be prepared for the predicted floods, noting that the grassroots leaders will assist in the evacuation of people at risk.
“Floods usually leave a trail of destruction and disrupted livelihoods and we appeal to those living in flood areas to move to higher grounds due to rising water levels,” he said.
Mwangi also advised livestock keepers near the riverbanks, to move their animals to safety.
Kenya Red Cross teams have mounted a Difficult Rescue and Assessment mission, crossing the swollen Laga Galole at Daba crossings to reach Gofisa village in Galedertu Sub-County, where dozens of families remain marooned by rising floodwaters.
In a statement, the humanitarian agency said assessments on the ground confirmed at least 81 households have been affected, with urgent needs ranging from food assistance and medical care to mosquito nets amid heightened disease risks.
CC Mwangi said assessments confirmed 81 households impacted in Galadertu Sub- county with urgent needs for food assistance, medical support and mosquito nets amid increased health risks.
The intervention comes as the government issues fresh flood alerts to residents of Garissa and Tana River counties, warning of rising river levels and potential overflows following sustained upstream rains.
by Hussein Abdullahi
