Devastating floods ravage Mandera county, Governor Khalif appeals for Urgent delivery of Aid

Mandera County Braces for the Aftermath of Catastrophic Floods as Communities Await Vital Aid

Nairobi – Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, joined by the entire leadership of Mandera County, shed light on the dire challenges posed by the ongoing floods in the region. 

Governor Khalid was Speaking on Sunday at a press briefing held at the UDM office in Nairobi, 

Relentless floods have wreaked havoc, resulting in a tragic loss of lives, livestock, damaged property, submerged farms, flooded schools, hospitals, and towns across the county.

“As of today, more than 12,000 households in Mandera County find themselves severely affected by these devastating floods, with approximately 4,000 households forced to evacuate their homes in search of safety,” said Khalif. 

He added, the situation is dire, and the collapse of pit latrines raises concerns about potential waterborne diseases and malaria outbreaks, further exacerbating the crisis.

The floods have also taken a heavy toll on the county’s infrastructure, with roughly 80% of the roads in Mandera County, including the vital A13 managed by KENHA and Group C of KERRA roads in all sub-counties, seriously affected. 

Governor Khalif said the floods have limited movement and access to essential goods and services for the affected population.

The County Government of Mandera has initiated mitigation efforts including providing much-needed relief to affected residents. Their efforts include the distribution of food, non-food items, and sanitation supplies. 

The County Government has also activated contingency plans and is collaborating on multi-sectoral interventions to comprehensively address the challenges brought about by the floods.

Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif expressed deep gratitude to the Kenya Red Cross for their support and called upon the national government, partners, and other stakeholders to join forces in supporting the affected communities. 

He emphasized the need for a collective effort to make a positive impact and alleviate the suffering in Mandera County.

The intensity of heavy rainfall in the region is projected to continue in southeastern lowlands and parts of the northeast. 

The Kenya Meteorological Department said the rains are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream,” the agency said in its latest advisory. 

“Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows when raining to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.”