Garissa on high alert as dams near overflow amid heavy rain

Garissa County has taken necessary precautions in anticipation of the overflow of the Kindaruma and Masinga dams, whose levels have been rising following heavy rain.

County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo said Sunday that flood emergencies were likely, hence the sensitisation of the people about how to handle different situations, and the mobilisation of chiefs to relocate families living in flood-prone areas.

"Hundreds of displaced families from Bakuyu, Ziwani and other areas are already in camps within Garissa town," Mwabodza said, adding relief food and other support would be given via the National Disaster Management Unit in Nairobi.

The commissioner noted that the Tana River burst its banks two weeks ago but that the impact was not heavy as the waters subsided in two days.

He said, however, that with the rain continuing in various parts of the country, alerts had been issued on rising water levels in dams, hence the need for precautions, including farmer education.

Mwabodza said they did not have more specific details about the anticipated overflow from Kindaruma and Masinga, following an update earlier on Sunday, but that they were on high alert based on information on the heavy rain and swollen dam levels that spell doom for Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.

"We are monitoring the situation and will respond to all flood emergencies as they arise," he said.

On Friday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged the public to be cautious amid the long rains and flooding, follow the warnings and instructions of relevant agencies, and make use of the toll-free emergency line 0800721571.

A day before, Omollo and Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira went on an assessment tour of the Kiambere and Masinga dams, whose water levels have also been rising.

Assessing the situation of Masinga dam, PS Dr. @ray_omollo with counterpart from @EnergyMinK PS Alex Wachira.

Our primary concern remains the safety and security of people living downstream, especially at this time when we are experiencing high levels of rain across the country.… pic.twitter.com/FNY1ycUOkA

— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) April 17, 2024

The Interior PS announced that the government had reactivated a multiagency emergency response team due to the heightened risk of flooding across Kenya.

In a statement during the visit, Omollo said that National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), led by county and deputy county commissioners, were working on contingency plans to manage potential disasters and protect citizens.

"Together with local authorities, we will continue to closely monitor other key dams along the Tana River and call upon residents in lower areas and those living in proximity to major rivers, lakes and the ocean to remain alert and follow any evacuation orders or safety instructions to prevent any loss of life," he said.

Two weeks ago, the Tana River burst its bank, causing the closure of the Kona Punda section of the Garissa-Nairobi Highway at Madogo in Tana River County.

The road was repaired and reopened by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) after the water levels subsided.

A camp at the Garissa police training field, of people from Bakuyu who were displaced by the El Nino rains of November-December 2023. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

Garissa was among the counties that were seriously affected by the November–December 2023 El Nino rains after the Tana River burst its banks, causing death, displacement and property destruction.