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Wajir parents warned of flood risks to children

A woman gazes into a flooded area in Kenya after heavy rains, following an extended period of drought in the arid and semi-arid regions. (Photo: UNICEF)

By Yunis Dekow | 12 Apr 2024

Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed said guardians of children in the county must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring their safety during the rainy season.

Parents in Wajir have been urged to exercise caution in the wake of recent heavy rains, resulting in floods.

Floodwaters can rise rapidly, posing a serious risk of drowning, especially to young children who may be unable to swim or understand the dangers of fast-moving water.

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On Friday, Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed said guardians of children in the county must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring their safety during the rainy season.

Muhumed said debris carried by floodwaters, such as branches, rocks, and household items, can cause serious injuries to children if they are struck or trapped by floating objects.

He said even shallow water can pose a threat, especially to younger children who may lack the ability to swim or recognise the danger of stepping into floodwaters.

“Floodwaters can quickly become treacherous, with strong currents, submerged hazards, and rapidly rising water levels making it difficult for children to navigate safely,” said Muhumed.

The Deputy Governor said contaminated water sources, lack of access to sanitation facilities, and overcrowded shelters can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and other health complications, particularly for infants and young children.

“All parents must prioritise the safety and well-being of children and take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with floods,” he said.

Muhumed said communities across the expansive county need to work together to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are protected during times of crisis.

Kenyan children fetching water. (Photo: UNICEF)

On Friday, the Kenya Meteorological Department announced that Kenya should anticipate ongoing rainfall across different regions, with isolated heavy downpours expected in the Highlands East/West Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, and North-eastern Kenya.

The National Disaster Operation Centre last week advised Kenyans to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, stressing the importance of safety in the aftermath of heavy rains experienced in parts of the country.

Parents have been urged to advise and educate their children about the dangers of floodwaters and the importance of following safety protocols.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), floods last year resulted in the loss of 17 lives, the displacement of nearly 6,000 households (approximately 36,000 people), the destruction of over a thousand livestock, and the inundation of 221 acres of agricultural farmland.

The agency said heavy storms caused flooding, particularly along the Coastal strip, in some areas of the Central Highlands, Southeast lowlands and several areas of Northwest and Northeastern Kenya.

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.

Cumulatively, nearly 10,230 households (61,380 people) were affected when the country last recorded a spike in rainfall.