Kenya Red Cross Garissa Aqua Rescue Team trains to boost readiness for River Tana floods
Garissa Branch Coordinator, Daud Ahmed, said the team had serviced their boat engine and refreshed their rescue skills to ensure effective emergency response.
The Kenya Red Cross Society – Garissa Branch Aqua Rescue Team received training on Sunday to strengthen their preparedness for responding to River Tana flood disasters and drowning incidents.
Garissa Branch Coordinator, Daud Ahmed, said the team had serviced their boat engine and refreshed their rescue skills to ensure effective emergency response.
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"Although the Meteorological Department has projected below-average rainfall for the October–November–December (OND) 2025 season in the region, Garissa Town has been experiencing flooding along River Tana due to heavy rains in upstream catchments, causing the Seven Forks Dams to fill and overflow, as witnessed during the March–April–May 2024 long rains. We must ensure our team is ready for any eventuality," he said.
He explained that the training comes ahead of the rainy season, which often brings a rise in drowning and marooning incidents along the River Tana.
"The team is now better equipped to respond to these emergencies, with a focus on saving lives and minimising damage," he assured.
The Garissa Branch has pledged to remain on standby for any river-related disaster emergencies, ready to act at a moment’s notice.
Daud stressed that a proactive approach will help reduce the impact of floods and protect communities living along the river.
He also acknowledged the vital role of the volunteer Aqua Rescue Team during the 2023 El Niño rains and the 2024 MAM floods, when they helped rescue 273 people marooned by rising waters.
Among those recognised were volunteers Abdulrahman Hamdi, Yahya Diis, and Mahat Dekow, who led the aqua response efforts. They were honoured by the Kenya Red Cross as the Best Volunteers of 2024 for their heroic life-saving actions.
Daud expressed optimism that the latest training would sharpen the team’s skills and help prevent future river flooding and drowning incidents reported in Garissa communities.
Garissa has previously suffered significant loss of life and displacement from River Tana floods, particularly in November 2023 and April 2024, when swollen rivers and washed-out roads left fatalities and thousands of people displaced. The floods also inflicted widespread damage on infrastructure, croplands, and businesses.
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