NGO warns of waterborne diseases as Tana River breaks banks

A non-governmental organization has warned of an outbreak of waterborne diseases and displacements following the rising waters at the Tana River bridge.

Speaking to the press in Garissa town on Monday, the program coordinator for Regional Intra Health Initiatives – Africa (RIHI-Africa) Hassan Ismail said the floods pose a great risk of disease outbreaks due to sanitation issues and overcrowding in temporary shelters.

Regional Intra Health Initiatives – Africa (RIHI-Africa) is a Regional Health non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the ASAL counties.

“Recent readings from the Tana River gauge, as of 3 pm today, reveal a significant surge in water levels, indicating an impending risk of widespread population displacement and extensive damage due to flooding," Hassan said.

"RIHI-Africa issues a precautionary advisory, urging families residing in low-lying areas to exercise vigilance and relocate to higher ground to mitigate the potential impact of the imminent threat.” 

He added:

“We are issuing a precautionary advisory, urging families residing in low-lying areas to exercise vigilance and relocate to higher ground to mitigate the potential impact of the imminent threat.”

The NGO said the floods will have a consequence of the displacement of people that they noted will result in poor sanitation, a situation that needs proper planning before it worsens.

“We are calling for urgent support and intervention by all relevant government and non-government agencies to address these looming crises,” he added.

As of Monday, the Tana River gauge revealed a significant surge in water levels at 5 metres.

According to officials, the Masinga dam with a full capacity of 1056.50m is only left with 1.56m to full capacity while  Kiambere the last dam with a full capacity of 700m is only left with 1 metre to full capacity.

Reports also say some farms were already flooded.

According to Garissa County’s meteorological department, rains are expected to continue in several areas within the county.

On Monday, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration National Disaster Operation Center issued an emergency flood alert.

The letter was signed by the center Director K. Samoei, and copied to the county Commissioners of Tana River, Garissa and Lamu Counties.

"This is to inform you that Seven Forks Dams are almost spilling over. Heavy rainfall over the past few days in Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares and Nyambene hills has caused water levels to rise rapidly, therefore resulting in potential risks to life and property," the letter read.

It added:

"Be advised to evacuate to higher and safe grounds, if you reside in low-lying areas or near water bodies. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. Listen to local news updates, weather forecasts, and emergency alerts for the latest information on the situation."

On Thursday last week, the Kenya National Highway Authority asked Motorists plying the Nairobi-Garissa Road to exercise caution when approaching the area around Mororo.

The road has since been closed after heavy flooding.