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Group warns of waterborne diseases as rains and floods increase

Red Cross workers wade through floods in North Eastern Kenya in September 2023. (Photo: Handout)

By Abdimalik Hajir | 08 Apr 2024

Kenya Meteorological Department Director General, David Gikungu, also warned the country to anticipate heavy rainfall over the next three months.

A non-governmental organisation has warned of an outbreak of waterborne diseases after water levels rose at the Tana River Bridge, causing flash floods and an impending displacement of residents along the water body.

Speaking in Garissa on Monday, Hassan Ismail, the programme coordinator for Regional Intra-Health Initiatives Africa (RIHI-Africa), said the floods pose a great risk of disease outbreaks due to sanitation issues and overcrowding in temporary shelters.

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"We are issuing a precautionary advisory, urging families residing in low-lying areas to exercise vigilance and relocate to higher ground to mitigate the potential impact of the imminent threat," Hassan urged.

His warning was in line with one that the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) issued last week after flooding rendered the Garissa-Nairobi highway impassable.

“The persisting rainfall portends further water rise, which could affect other previously damaged road sections. Motorists are, therefore, urged to exercise caution as they approach the Madogo, Konapunda, and Mororo sections of the A3 Road to Garissa,” KeNHA cautioned.

“A contractor is on standby at the site to address any issues as the authority monitors the situation closely to ensure road accessibility,” the authority added.

The defective Garissa-Tana bridge that was constructed in 1980. (Photo: Abdikadir Qulatein)

A section of the road was swept away by the El Nino rains in November last year, completely paralysing operations. KeNHA, in response, launched a temporary murrum road that has been in use since then.

Hassan predicted a similar occurrence and urged stakeholders to act swiftly and improve sanitation through proper planning before the situation worsens.

"We are calling for urgent support and intervention by all relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies to address these looming crises," he pleaded.

Regional Intra Health Initiatives-Africa (RIHI-Africa) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in the ASAL counties.

As of Monday, the Tana River gauge revealed a significant surge in water levels at 5 metres, indicating an impending risk of widespread population displacement and extensive damage due to flooding.

According to officials, the Masinga Dam, with a full capacity of 1056.50 metres, is only left with 1.56 metres of capacity, while the Kiambere Dam, the last dam with a full capacity of 700 metres, is only left with 1 metre. Reports also claim that some farms near the dams are already flooded.

According to Garissa County's meteorological department, rains are expected to continue in several areas within the county. Kenya Meteorological Department Director General, David Gikungu, also warned the country to anticipate heavy rainfall over the next three months.

“In our observation, the country will experience heavy downpours and will continue up to mid-June. Do not find yourself in that situation when you can move to a safer place,” Gikungu stated on Friday, while speaking in Mombasa.