Lamu County faces severe crisis as floods disrupt transportation and fuel supply

Lamu County in the Coastal region is grappling with a severe crisis as unrelenting floods wreak havoc, posing a significant threat to the entire county's operations. The situation is exacerbated by a critical fuel shortage, heightening concerns about the potential paralysis of essential boat operations, which serve as the primary mode of transportation in the area.

The devastating floods have ravaged two sections of the Minjila-Mokowe road, cutting off crucial transportation routes to and from Lamu County. This disaster intensified after the overflowing River Tana submerged surrounding areas, forcing residents to depend on boats to navigate through affected regions.

The gravity of the situation reached new heights when the Kenya Red Cross highlighted the dire circumstances, reporting the isolation of four camps and the subsequent displacement of inhabitants, necessitating further relocations.

The impact of this crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Susan Mtakai, the Kenya Coast Guard's head of search and rescue, expressed concern over the lack of maternity services, citing cases of women giving birth in marooned areas. Urgent appeals for assistance were made to well-wishers to support these affected populations.

Governor Issa Timamy visited flood victims on Monday, urging partners and stakeholders to collaborate with the administration in providing essential aid to communities across various affected regions. During his visit to areas like Chalaluma, Moa, Kitumbuni, and Mikinduni, Governor Timamy acknowledged the displacement of thousands of families and impassable roads caused by the floods.

Accompanied by Health CECM Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj and Agriculture CECM James Gichu, the Governor oversaw the distribution of food supplies, water treatment aqua tabs, and distributed treated mosquito nets. Additionally, the county health team initiated home care programs to aid affected individuals.

Governor Timamy assured flood victims of imminent relief food distribution, following the approval of emergency funds by the cabinet and the subsequent passing of the supplementary budget by the county assembly.

In his address, Governor Timamy emphasized the importance of heeding flood alerts broadcasted through media channels and community forums, urging the public to relocate to higher grounds to mitigate potential loss of lives and property destruction.