Mandera Senator Ali calls for urgent assistance as El Nino ravages Northeastern region

Mandera Senator Ali Roba, the chairperson of the United Democratic Movement, has decried the dire situation currently unfolding in Mandera County. Ali underlined the devastating impact of relentless rainfall. Drawing attention to the gravity of the crisis.

"Mandera County is currently facing a catastrophic situation due to the relentless rainfall, and the devastation is far worse than the 1997 El Niño period," stated Ali.  Senator Ali directly questioned President William Ruto's recent assertion that the predicted El Niño rains would not materialise, emphasising the severity of the situation on the ground.

"Most roads in the region have been severely affected, rendering them impassable and creating immense challenges for the local communities," Ali continued, highlighting the significant impact of the rainfall on the region's infrastructure and livelihoods. Mandera County, in particular, has borne the brunt of the destructive force of the heavy rains, exacerbating the difficulties faced by its residents.

In light of the escalating crisis, Senator Ali urged President Ruto to mobilise the National Government to provide urgent and comprehensive emergency services. He emphasised that the existing capacity of the county governments was insufficient to manage the scale of the disaster, necessitating swift and robust assistance from the central authorities to alleviate the plight of the affected communities.

In a tragic turn of events, two KCPE candidates lost their lives in Elwak on Friday, stressing the distressing consequences of the torrential rains on the region's educational activities, including the distribution of ongoing KCSE exams.

Furthermore, the relentless rains have not spared the neighboring country of Somalia, where twelve individuals have tragically lost their lives as a result of the severe flooding and related incidents. The collective impact of these heavy rains has significantly disrupted the daily lives and activities of residents in these regions, calling for urgent and comprehensive measures to address the pressing challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.