Mandera County to provide food relief, meet basic needs for flood victims - Governor Adan Khalif

In a statement on Sunday, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif said that plans to provide aid to more than 16,000 affected households are underway as they also seek better ways to mitigate the disaster.

He said that out of the affected persons, approximately 4,000 households have been displaced from their homes.

"We will provide food and non-food items to the affected population, ensuring that their basic needs are met during this challenging period," said Governor Khalif.

"In addition, we will provide sanitation items to prevent waterborne diseases, recognizing the importance of safeguarding public health in the wake of this disaster."

Khalif added that the initiative will start with those in dire need as many are in several submerged towns such as Elwaq, Shimpir Fatuma, Damasa, Dariqa, and Lafey among others.

"We are working diligently to coordinate resources and provide assistance to the impacted communities," said Khalif.

While assessing the damage caused by the disaster, Khalif stated that vital local institutions like schools, hospitals and roads have been damaged which poses a huge risk to effective service delivery.

"About 80% of all roads in Mandera County, including the A13 managed by KENHA and Group C of KERRA roads in all sub-counties, have been seriously affected," he said.

"These road issues are anticipated to result in limited movement and restricted access to essential goods and services in towns and villages across the county."

Even as he expressed fear of the danger that the continued downpour poses, the governor has called upon more partners and stakeholders to support the initiative.

He has also condoled with the families of two KCPE students and a mother, who died during the floods.