The over 150 households stricken by floods and other climate change related effects at Elmolo Bay in Loiyangalani sub-county in Marsabit County have been assisted by the national government with food and non-food items to enable them to mitigate against the situation.
At the same time, the residents whose main economic mainstay is fishing have been cautioned against settling on seasonal waterways and shrunk wetlands that were now restoring due to global warming.
Loiyangalani deputy county commissioner Stanley Kimanga who oversaw the distribution of 300 bags of rice and 260 bags of beans to the displaced families said President Ruto’s administration was sensitive to the needs of the lowly in society hence the quick response to ensure that the victims were not exposed to suffering.
Mr Kimanga added that the government through the state department for ASALs and regional development have also provided 200 mattresses, 400 blankets and 10 bales of sanitary towels and 30 boxes of bar soap in aid of the affected families.
The DCC warned that the Lake Turkana has been rising primarily due to global warming and recommended that the Elmolo community who reside on the Bay should consider migrating to safer grounds saying displacement by floods was avoidable.
He pointed out that vagaries of weather like swelling of the lake, drought and floods had become very frequent in Marsabit County as a whole with devastating effects to life and property.
The administrator called on the residents to register with Social Health Authority (SHA) to enable the government to provide them with quality and affordable health care services in an effective manner.
The DCC further asked parents to take their children to school adding that those who fail to do so will be punished in accordance with the law.
Mr Kimanga further urged the locals to observe peace and support the law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order as lack of it impacts negatively on development.
By Sebastian Miriti
