Flash floods and river floods have affected the North Eastern counties of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera, since the onset of rains in the area in early November 2011.
Consequently, thousands of people are in need of urgent humanitarian relief as communities have been displaced, disrupted and lost livestock and farming equipment among other loses.
Meanwhile, Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the Provincial Administration and key stakeholders are responding to the situation across the entire Region.
As many communities continue to suffer and are counting losses from the effects of the 2010 – 2011 droughts, a number of districts throughout the Region have been affected by intense flooding. The most affected areas include Khalalio, Meigag in Mandera East, Shafshafey and Kormei, Bute and Buna in Wajir and Bulla Rahma and Tawfique in Garissa. The natural, cross-border layout of river systems and the man-made system of dams add a regional dimension to the ongoing crisis, affecting some of the most vulnerable communities in the Region.
Various taskforces have been set up in the counties comprising KRCS, the Provincial Administration and the ministries of Agriculture and Livestock. Key stakeholders have jointly drafted a document that addresses the immediate needs of some 1000 displaced people along River Tana, River Daua and communities displaced from their homes. Further, assistance to prevent any outbreak and spread of disease has been identified for urgent attention.
However, limited access to the flood-affected areas due to insecurity and poor road conditions are a major constraint. Immediate needs for the response include provision of non-food items, disease surveillance and prevention, and concerted information campaigns
A field assessment by the KRCS North Eastern Regional office personnel on Rahma and Tawfiq farms from 5th December 2011 has revealed that some 30 households (HH) were displaced in Rahma and other 25 HH are still marooned in Bulla Rahma of Karakora division.
Further at least 100 farms have been destroyed in Qabobey and 25 others in Tawfiq as a result of floods. In addition, the affected farmers have had their farm inputs destroyed and/or washed away by floodwaters. The main water pipes in the farms and household belongings have also been swept away. The most affected people are women and children, whom the KRCS met in the affected areas.
The most hit areas in Garissa include all locations along the river line, particularly Qabobey farm in Korakora and Sankuri divisions, the whole of shanta-abak division which is marooned, Gurufa, Baraki, Qalanqaal, Kibilaay, Cheron and Nunow. Other affected areas are Danyere division, Part of Dadaab division especially Kumahumato, Boransis, welhar and Alikune and the lower side of Jarajilla division, which is cut-off and inaccessible.
Further, transportation from Wajir to Garissa has been hampered, as the roads are muddy and slippery with vehicles on transit stuck in the water.
The floods have adversely affected people living in the traditional houses. Water contamination has been reported in areas that depend on unprotected shallow wells and water pans especially in Wajir East, North, West and South. Most of the affected areas are villages in Wajir town, Buna and Bute. The floods also destroyed crops in the farms in Bute and Buna. The floods within Wajir County affected about 1000 household. Most of the community priorities needs are Non-food items and food
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, Wajir County is among the areas that are receiving above normal rainfall, which is expected to continue to the end of December 2011.