Strength of a woman: Pregnant Sadia Mahamud crosses flooded, river to deliver son
Braving the forces of nature, Sadia Mahamud, though initially shy, exhibited remarkable courage as she faced the challenges of delivering her baby amidst floods in her area.
Braving the forces of nature, Sadia Mahamud, though initially shy, exhibited remarkable courage as she faced the challenges of delivering her baby amidst floods in her area.
"I still had a week to go, according to my clinic check-up, so I knew I had time to prepare. But on Friday morning, I suddenly started to feel unwell, thinking it was normal," Sadia recounted.
Seeking relief, Sadia went to the camp's traditional masseuse for a massage. "I was just sitting in the tent with my aunt, telling stories and laughing when I had a sharp cramp that brought me to my feet. I knew it was time for serious medical attention," she said.
Undeterred by the heavy downpour, Sadia, supported by her aunt and friend, navigated the flooded Galole. "I was almost halfway across when a man on the other side of the river saw me and jumped into the water to help me cross. The water was chest high and had started to get rough," she recalled.
With the aid of men and women, Sadia was lifted from the water, and with urgency, they walked several kilometers to reach Madogo Health Centre. Traditional midwife Eshah Ismail highlighted the risk, stating, "This place has a history of death, men, women, and children have been washed away. I guess God was with us that day."
Sadia successfully delivered her baby boy at the health center. Ismail emphasised the perilous journey and expressed gratitude that both mother and child survived.
Adding a local perspective, Sadia's neighbor remarked, "It was a sight to behold. We couldn't believe she would attempt such a perilous journey in her condition. But her courage paid off, and we are all relieved that both she and the baby are safe."
As the region grapples with heavy rains, Tana River County Red Cross coordinator Jerald Bombe noted that eight villages are only accessible by air. "They need to be evacuated, and if we have to give them any assistance, it can only be by air," he said. Over 20,000 people have been affected by the floods in the county.
The resilience of individuals like Sadia highlights the challenges faced by communities in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements to enhance safety and accessibility.
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