More than 3,000 displaced by floods in Tana River

A group of men carry a motorcycle across a flooded road in Bura, Tana River County. More than 3,000 people have been displaced by floods after River Tana burst its banks. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • River Tana broke its banks and has washed away homes and livestock.
  • Some residents have moved to neighbouring Garissa County.
  • County Commissioner urged residents living near the river's banks to move.

More than 3,000 people have been displaced following floods in Tana River County.

Speaking to the Nation, Kenya Red Cross co-ordinator Jarred Bombey said various villages in Tana North were washed away after River Tana broke its banks.

FLOOD

He said that about 134 families in Mathengeni, Tana North, had moved to Garissa for fear of being carried away by the floodwaters, while in Bakuyu and Boka about 700 families were affected by the flash floods.

Families in Kiembeni, Shaurimoyo and Huruma villages had moved earlier following an alert on looming flash floods.

About 50 goats, unknown number of cows and houses have been carried away by the flash floods in Boka.

MOVE OUT

Mr Bombey said the affected families had received humanitarian help.

"We have supplied the affected families with family kits where most of them are camping and we hope we shall be able to provide them with the required resources,” he said.

Tana River County Commissioner Oning'oi Ole Sossio urged residents to move away from areas near the river banks.

"Many people moved closer to the river banks to farm following the prolonged drought, now the river has just reclaimed its space,” he said.