Heartbreaking accounts of loss and struggle from residents of flood-affected counties

In the wake of the devastating floods in Mandera, Garissa, and Isiolo counties, residents are facing profound challenges, with heartbreaking accounts emerging from various individuals affected by the calamity.

Shopkeepers and wholesalers are grappling with substantial losses, with some reporting millions in damages. The floods have submerged businesses and destroyed merchandise, leaving many entrepreneurs in financial ruin. One shopkeeper Hassan Ibrahim lamented, "I have lost everything. Years of hard work gone in an instant."

A chicken farmer Halima Warsame, devastated by the loss of her entire flock, expressed her anguish, saying, "My chickens were not just animals; they were my livelihood. Now, I am left with nothing, and the future looks bleak."

Residents in flood-affected areas are struggling to meet their basic needs, resorting to meager rations of beans, greengrams, milk, and meat. The scarcity of staples like rice, wheat flour, and maize flour exacerbates the hardship. A resident Isaaq Jamal shared, "We used to have a variety of food, but now we survive on whatever is available. It's a daily struggle."

Health officials are deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation. The lack of drinking water and the submersion of toilets pose an imminent risk of waterborne diseases. "Without clean water and proper sanitation, we are on the brink of a health crisis," warned a county health official.

A farmer Hibo Bilan recounted a harrowing experience of witnessing one of his farm helpers being swept away by the floods. The farmer remains hopeful that the missing individual is alive, as nobody has been recovered yet.

Individuals who left Garissa for Nairobi two days ago find themselves stranded without access to food, water, or fresh clothing. Desperate for assistance, they are calling on the government to intervene urgently. Some are even suggesting the deployment of the military to construct makeshift bridges and provide essential aid to those marooned in inaccessible areas.

As these heartbreaking narratives unfold, the affected communities look to the government for swift and effective intervention to alleviate their suffering and initiate the recovery process.