- In rural areas, 22 water supplies along rivers were submerged, disrupting services.
- Around 70 water pans were destroyed, along with numerous underground tanks.
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif has thanked the national government and other partners for offering much-needed assistance to flood victims.
Mandera is one of the most affected by floods, which have killed several people, displaced hundreds and left a trail of destruction.
Khalif spoke in Mandera town when he welcomed the British High Commissioner Neil Wigan and his team to assess the floods impact, discuss immediate relief, and explore long-term climate solutions.
“The El Nino floods rendered all water sources in Mandera municipality submerged and inaccessible, causing severe damage to all water infrastructures. Two main urban water supplies, Mandera and Elwak, were completely shut down,” he said.
He added: “In rural areas, 22 water supplies along rivers were submerged, disrupting services. Around 70 water pans were destroyed, along with numerous underground tanks. All pit latrines submerged, leading to water contamination.”
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
He disclosed that the county's road infrastructure was not spared, saying that 99 per cent of roads, being earth or gravel, were cut off something he noted affected the availability of commodities to the public.
“The Mandera county government is deeply grateful to the national government, the UK High Commissioner, Kenya Red Cross, and other NGOs for their unwavering response and support. Together, we demonstrate a unified commitment to community well-being,” the governor said.
The British High Commissioner on his part said that the level of destruction left behind by the floods was enormous, something he noted calls for support from not only the national government but partners in order to get things back in place.
“As we are all aware, the floods claimed precious lives, led to substantial livestock losses, wreaked havoc on farms, and inflicted severe damage on crucial infrastructure. The impact of these rains has been profound, affecting both human and animal lives and leaving behind a trail of destruction.This calls for support to get the county back on track,” he said.
Wigan and the governor jointly flagged off medical supplies procured by the county government with logistics support from the Kenya Defence Forces.
Khalif said the targeted effort underscores the commitment to swiftly address the immediate needs of those affected by floods, fostering resilience and stability.
They also distributed food and wash items donated by the Kenya Red Cross Society to over 500 flood-affected households in Elwak, emphasising collective efforts to alleviate the impact on vulnerable communities.
The aid package included maize flour, green grams, cooking oil, and wash items, showcasing a proactive approach to providing essential sustenance and support.