Isiolo residents in flood-prone areas advised to stay alert

Merti Deputy County Commissioner Michael Kione has implored residents in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding to exercise caution as heavy rains continue to pound the region.

Kione said residents in flood-prone areas should consider relocating to higher ground should the rain intensify to prevent loss of life and destruction of property.

There are fears that the area could be marooned soon after heavy downpour in the neighbouring counties of Meru and Laikipia resulted in the swelling of the River Ewaso Nyiro.

"Our people should be vigilant and take precautions so that we avert losses," he told Eastleigh Voice on the phone.

The administrator also appealed to residents to heed regular government advisories being shared through the Kenya Meteorological Department for their safety.

The Meteorological department earlier warned that the ongoing rains will increase in the coming weeks, exposing Kenyans in various parts of the country to floods.

More than 300 families were displaced from their homes in Merti following the recent El Nino rains.

Elsewhere, Ngaremara residents have expressed fears of looming floods at Tractor, Aukot, Lowangila, Attan, Manyatta Zebra, Kiwanja and Ngaremara trading centres due to raging waters from the Meru side.

A marooned farm within the Tractor area in Ngaremara, Isiolo County, on April 9, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Some shops and homes in the Tractor area have already been submerged, with the waters flowing next to the Isiolo-Moyale highway. A two-acre farm in the area has also been submerged, with residents saying it could spark a disease outbreak.

The area is among those that have in the recent past bore the brunt of enhanced rains due to its flat terrain, with residents' prayers that the local drainage system be improved to drain off the flood waters remaining unanswered.

"We fear that floods could occur and leave a trail of destruction like the El Nino rains did," Jackson Lorot said.

Zebra residents are forced to use a longer route to Ngaremara town following the flooding of River Ngaremara. Some daring residents were spotted crossing the flooded river on Tuesday oblivious of the risks.

At the same time, DCC Kione revealed that besides routine patrols along the Isiolo-Merti route, vehicles plying the route were also being provided with police escorts to ensure the safety of the motorists and passengers.

This follows last week's killing of a Form Three girl at Babala while heading home for holiday. The St Paul's Kiwanjani student was shot dead by bandits while seated in the co-driver's seat.