Kenya Red Cross issues warning on water rising to critical levels in Tana River

In a post on Wednesday, November 8, the Red Cross cautioned that the counties of Garissa, Tana River, and Kilifi are facing an imminent risk of flooding from the river, which poses a significant threat to the lives and livelihoods of the local population.

In response, the Red Cross says it has activated early warning communication protocols to ensure the safety of communities residing along the Tana River.

Furthermore, the authority revealed that a consultative meeting focused on El Nino preparedness led by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Health & Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, was underway. 

As most parts of Kenya are currently experiencing heavy rains, the Kenya Meteorological Department announced that as of Monday, November 6, a staggering 15,264 households had already been affected by the rising water levels, resulting in 15 casualties and the loss of at least 1,067 livestock.

Additionally, approximately 241 acres of agricultural farmland have also been devastated due to flash floods.

In parts of the North Eastern region (Wajir, Garissa and Mandera), 26,011 families are similarly grappling with the impact of floods, leaving 13,473 displaced.