Fears over outbreak of waterborne diseases in Wajir due to floods

Residents of Arbaqeramso, located in Wajir East constituency, have raised concerns about a potential outbreak of diseases in their area.

The heavy rains due to the El Niño floods have created favorable conditions for the spread of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.

A number of young children have been admitted to the Arbaqeramso dispensary. However, local community leaders are distressed by the severe shortage of essential medicines at this facility.

Fatuma Farah, a 44-year-old mother told Eastleigh Voice that two of her children are in critical condition and are yet to receive any medication.

"They started vomiting after stomach pains, we don't know what the problem is. We really need urgent intervention," Fatuma said.

Similar issues have been reported from various locations across Wajir county with several sub-counties struggling to contain the disease.

Residents have urged the Wajir County Government and the National Government to intervene urgently before the situation deteriorates further.

Floods have wreaked havoc in most parts of the larger Arid and Semi-arid lands of Kenya, Wajir being one of the most affected counties.

The Tana River burst its bank submerging residential houses, and farmlands and displacing thousands of

people in Garissa and Tana River Counties.

In a concerted effort to address the dire situation caused by ongoing floods in Mandera and Wajir, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale this week spearheaded a significant humanitarian relief mission.

Joined by Governors Mohamed Adan Khalif of Mandera, Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir, and representatives from the Kenya Red Cross, the mission aimed to provide critical assistance to the flood-affected community of Elwak Sub-county, Mandera County.