Wajir leaders plead for urgent gov't intervention amid devastating El Nino rains

Describing the situation as dire, the politicians said the heavy downpour has claimed the lives of at least four individuals, left scores stranded, and displaced thousands from their homes. 

Led by Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, the legislators cautioned that unless the national government releases the funds earmarked in the supplementary budget to mitigate the effects of El Nino rains, the situation will get out of hand.

Abdullahi emphasized that the State should urgently intervene and channel proper logistical support to evacuate marooned residents to prevent waterborne diseases and further casualties.

“In our efforts, as county government, we attempted to use helicopters to relocate those trapped by rising waters to safer areas. However, the intensity of the rainfall and the soil's inability to absorb it have overwhelmed us. Unless we get more logistical support, we fear more lives will be lost,” Governor Abdullahi told a press conference at Wilson Airport on Monday. 

“We are now faced with a situation where the livestock which is our main livelihood is getting trapped in the mud. It's heartening to see someone just leave their livestock stuck in the mud and can do nothing about it,"he added.

Abdullahi added that all roads leading to Wajir County had been cut off making transportation of food and medicine to the county an impossibility.

According to the Governor, 57 tonnes of medicine has been stuck on the road since last week although he promised that his government will do anything within its means to deal with the situation but urged more help from well-wishers and humanitarian organizations.

“We've procured medical supplies from KEMSA and are airlifting them to address immediate health needs. However, we require additional support in the form of mosquito nets and chlorine to mitigate the health risks," Governor Abdullahi explained, underscoring the county's proactive measures amidst this crisis.

The Governor added:  "We are in a situation where even people with money can't buy anything from towns because our towns too are unreachable and don't have anything," 

He expressed fears of an outbreak of vector and waterborne diseases as there are more mosquitoes now.

“Part of the help that is needed from the state and humanitarian agencies and well-wishers is the provision of mosquito nets for those who have been displaced. Of course, we're trying to get water treatment tablets, medicines and chlorine as much as we can to the ground as county government. That's the reason we have resorted to airlifting the medical supplies we purchased from KEMSA,” the governor explained.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan said that if El Nino rains continue to pound the country and the county for another month the road network in the county will be completely cut off.

The veteran politician asked the State to avail Kenya Air Force planes to deliver food and medicine for to needy families.

“We are appealing to the government to come out properly organized and assist the residents of Wajir, Mandera and Garissa Counties in complimenting the county governments by invoking the emergency measures that will avert further loss of lives,” said Keynan.