By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
20 May 2026 - Residents of Darika Village in Mandera East are reeling from the devastating effects of flash floods that have swept across the area, leaving behind affects and humanitarian concerns.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains from the Ethiopian highlands as well as ongoing downpours pounding several parts of Mandera County, have displaced families, destroyed crops, and cut off key access roads.
The affected families, which are more than 250, are forced to seek shelter in safer areas.
Large sections of farmland have been submerged, destroying crops that residents depended on for food and income.
Farmers say the floods washed away maize, sorghum, and vegetable farms, raising fears of food shortages in the coming weeks.
The situation has also disrupted education, with school-going children among the hardest hit. Flooded roads and damaged pathways have made it difficult for learners to access schools, while some families displaced by the floods have been forced to keep their children at home.
Residents say access to essential services has become nearly impossible as roads connecting the village to nearby centers remain cut off. Movement of people and transportation of goods have been severely affected, with motorists and traders stranded due to overflowing seasonal rivers and damaged roads.
Mohamed Noor, a teacher at Darika Primary School, said some parents have decided to keep their children at home until the flood waters subside.
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“Some families have decided to keep their children at home until the floods or water subside and it becomes safe for their children to return to school,” said Mohamed Noor.
He added that continued heavy rains and damaged roads are posing serious challenges to education in the area, warning that prolonged disruption could negatively affect learners.
Residents are now calling on both the county and national governments, alongside humanitarian agencies, to provide urgent assistance including food supplies, clean drinking water, temporary shelter, and medical support for affected families.
Community leaders have also called for long-term interventions to address recurring floods in the region, including improved drainage systems, construction of bridges, and strengthening of road infrastructure to reduce the impact of future flooding.
The flooding comes as several parts of Mandera County continue to experience heavy rains, with authorities warning residents living in low-lying areas to remain alert as water levels continue to rise.