Garissa town reels from floods after Tana River breaks its banks

Aerial footage shared by the Kenya Red Cross on X on Sunday has revealed submerged parts of the town and homes.

“This is how Garissa town looks currently. The town is now marooned after Tana River broke it banks,” the body stated.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Saturday, November 25, announced that the Tana River had burst its banks, prompting warnings to motorists and pedestrians to steer clear of affected road sections.

''KeNHA notifies the public that Tana River has burst its banks between Madogo Total Station, Mororo and Tana River Bridge. The section between Madogo Town and Tana River is flooded," the highways authority stated.

Similarly, area residents were urged to avoid idling near flooding waters due to risks of of crocodile attacks.

In response to the crisis, President William Ruto while addressing the media at State House on Saturday, November 25, announced the operationalization of a National Disaster Operation Centre to coordinate responses and assured that adequate resources have been deployed to provide essential support, including food, to vulnerable communities.

“Adequate interventions have been put in place to tackle the emerging crisis,” he said.

In addition, the Head of State said that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will facilitate last-mile deliveries by air, especially in flood-marooned counties.

Acknowledging the grim toll of the floods, with at least 70 lives lost and 36,000 households displaced due to relentless downpours, President Ruto urged preparedness for unfolding emergencies.

This follows a November 8 warning from the Kenya Red Cross about critical water levels in the Tana River.

The organization cautioned residents of Garissa, Tana River, and Kilifi counties, highlighting the imminent risk of flooding that poses a substantial threat to lives and livelihoods in the region.