Fears of disease outbreak as floods wreak havoc in Lamu

Lumshi A and B village, nestled in Lamu County, Witu Ward in Lamu West Sub-County, is facing a dire situation as heavy rains have caused widespread flooding, submerging more than 32 houses and cutting off access to the area.

There is fear that stagnant water could lead to outbreak of diseases such as bilharzia and cholera. The local authorities have deployed a team of medical officers, including public health experts, to address the situation and safeguard the villagers' well-being.

Two teams from Lamu county Health Department have been formed to tackle the imminent health crisis. The first team set up a medical camp at the heart of the village, providing immediate assistance to those who may have already fallen ill.

Meanwhile, the second team has embarked on a mission to reach every household in Lumshi, fumigating homes to combat the spread of diseases like malaria and ensuring that water sources are treated to eliminate potential health hazards.

 "We have successfully managed to salvage the situation here. We encountered a few cases of diarrhea, but we effectively handled them. Additionally, we addressed the need for water source treatment in the Wells and provided assistance to the elderly. Furthermore, we have devised a plan to return every five days until we can stabilize the situation," stated Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, the County Executive Committee Member for Health.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who visited the area by boat, addressed the media, stating that the county government has already dispatched an Emergency Response Team to assess the situation.

Additionally, the Al Kheir Foundation has collaborated with the government to supply food items, including nutrition mix porridge, along with non-food essentials such as blankets and mosquito nets from Kenya Redcross

"The current situation is dire, as these individuals are completely surrounded by water and have no means of road access except by boat. As a county, we urge those residing near water bodies or swampy areas to immediately seek higher ground for their own safety," said the Governor.

Ismail Hiloble, an elder and a resident of Lumshi, appeallead to the government for immediate evacuation to higher ground of those caught up in the floods.

''We are currently trapped in this area, and if the rains persist for just one more day, both us and our animals will be completely submerged. We implore the authorities to assist us in reaching higher ground, ensuring our safety and the well-being of our livestock," said Hiloble

Mama Mumina Ali, a milk vendor in the village, shared the additional hardships faced by the community. The severed road has disrupted their ability to transport milk to neighbouring villages and the market in Pangani. As a result, they have resorted to making homemade yogurt, known as "Gururu," using the curdled milk as a means of sustenance during these challenging times.

The areas impacted by the floods in Lamu include Lumshi A and B, Kitumbini, Kona Mbaya, Juhudi Marafa, Dide Waride, Moa, and Pandanguo. The road connecting Pandanguo village to Witu Town has been Cut Off, exacerbating the isolation and challenges faced by the affected residents.