Fresh Flood Fears in Tana River as Assessment Reveals Widespread Destruction

May 15, 2026 - Fresh concerns have emerged over rising floodwaters in Tana River County after a joint assessment by the county government and the Kenya Red Cross revealed widespread displacement, destruction of farms and growing isolation of villages along the swollen River Tana.

In a statement, the Tana River County Government said the flood assessment exercise conducted through the Department of Special Programmes and the Kenya Red Cross had been concluded across affected areas, with findings painting a grim picture of the humanitarian situation.

“The assessments identified displacement of families, destruction of farms, isolation of villages and rising concerns over increasing water levels along River Tana,” the statement said.

County authorities said a comprehensive report from the exercise would now be tabled during a stakeholders’ meeting to determine the next course of action, amid fears that more communities could be cut off if water levels continue rising.

The latest findings come barely days after the Kenya Red Cross disclosed that its emergency response teams had crossed the flooded Laga Galole at Daba Crossing on May 3 to access Gofisa Village in Galedertu Sub-County, where dozens of families remained stranded by floodwaters.

According to the humanitarian agency, assessments in the village confirmed that at least 81 households had been affected, with urgent needs including food supplies, medical assistance and mosquito nets amid heightened risks of waterborne diseases and malaria.

Tana River County has historically borne the brunt of devastating floods caused by the overflow of River Tana during heavy rains, often leaving behind deaths, destruction of property and mass displacement of residents.

The recurring floods have repeatedly destroyed farms and infrastructure, disrupting livelihoods in a county that largely depends on farming and pastoralism.