By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Wajir(Mogadishu24)-At least 6 people lost their lives on Friday due to heavy rains in major parts of Kenya, which caused severe floods according to counties authorities.
An 85-year-old grandmother and two candidates who recently sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education died after torrents swept them away in Elwak town, Mandera County.
Over 5,000 families have been affected in Mandera, including 2,000 families displaced from Elwak, and thousands of livestock have been swept away in the floods.
The floods submerged two schools, Alwais Primary School and Elwak DEB Primary School. Two hospitals, Elwak Sub-County Referral Hospital and Adra Health Centre, were also submerged, affecting the provision medical services in town.
The Mandera County Ministry of Health has issued a health alert warning of any risks of waterborne diseases.
Mandera County Governor, Mohamed Adan Khalif, expressed condolences for the loss of lives in Elwak and stated that the county government will support the affected families.
“With a heavy heart, I express my condolences to the families affected by the tragic loss of 3 lives due to the floods in Elwak Town, Mandera Central Sub-County,” said Mohamed Adan Khalif, Mandera Governor.
“To over 5,000 people affected, we will provide food, non-food items, animal vaccines, and sanitation products to help prevent waterborne diseases. The County Government of Mandera is committed to supporting you during this difficult time,” he added.
The governor called on non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to support the affected families. He urged youth and neighbors to assist those affected by the floods.
“In this trying time, I strongly urge our youth and able neighbors to come forward and assist those in distress. Your support and solidarity will make a significant difference in the lives of the affected communities. We urgently call upon our partners and stakeholders to join us in supporting the affected communities in these areas during this challenging period,” the governor said.
Another victim died after their house collapsed in the Tunda area in Kisauni, Mombasa County.
“The government set aside emergency funds for flood response and control when the El Niño floods were anticipated. Then the president announced that there are no El Niño rains. So we are asking if the funds are still there to serve the citizens or if they ended up in individuals' pockets,” said Athman Mohamed, a Mombasa resident.
In the Samburu village, in Kwale County, another man died after he was swept away by flash floods in River Ngoni in Mweu, Samburu village.
In Igembe area of Meru County, another person was swept away by the flash floods as he was heading home after heavy rains caused River Athowana to burst its banks, leading to massive floods that displaced hundreds of families.
Roads in the Northeastern region have become impassable as heavy rains hit the regions, affecting the transportation of goods to the counties of Wajir and Mandera.
