Over 1000 displaced as floods rage

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

TAITA TAVETA COUNTY, KENYA: More than 1,000 people have been displaced by floods in Taveta District, Taita-Taveta County, according to local leaders and Government officials.

Mboghoni Ward Representative Fundi Maskuji said the affected families urgently need relief food and drug supplies and shelter.

“The affected families are spending the night in the cold and the Government should intervene to save the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amref and the Kenya Red Cross Society are on the ground to access the damage caused by the flush floods in Taveta.

Speaking from Cape Town, Taveta MP Noami Shaban said the Government was assessing the flood situation before taking remedial action.

“As I am talking to you now, the Kenya Red Cross is on the ground. We have made the necessary arrangements to assist the affected families,” she said.

The heavy rains that have been pounding the region have destroyed hundreds of acres of mature maize and rice in the lower parts of Taveta District and paralysed public transport.

Two days ago, scores of passengers escaped death narrowly after their vehicles  were swept away by flush floods.

Police have also recovered an extensively damaged Probox that was swept away by floods in Taveta District

Taveta Medical Officer for Health Dr Felix Kimotho and Mr Maskuji said Kimorigo and Kiwalwa dispensaries had been submerged in floods and several toilets destroyed.

“The Government should intervene and bring drugs, shelter and food to the affected families that are currently starving. There is possibility of an outbreak of diseases if no action is taken,” Maskuji said.

360 mosquito nets

Dr Kimotho said the Government has dispatched a team of public health officials to the area and they also intend to distribute 360 mosquito nets to the displaced persons.

“ We have chlorine powder to treat contaminated water and the public health officials are currently disaffecting the contaminated water on the ground,” said Kimotho.

He added: “We have enough  drugs for malaria, typhoid and dysentery and antibiotics for the children from the Kenya Red Cross. We have also set up a disaster management committee to deal with the flood situation.”

Other areas affected by floods include Kiwalwa, Kimorigo Abori, Lango, Ngutuni, Marodo, Kitoghoto and Riata.

Drivers interviewed said the Mwatate-Taveta road, which is currently being rehabilitated, had become impassable.

 Farmers in Taveta and Taita are also counting losses as major roads to their farms are also impassable.

“The rains have pounded continuously for the last two days and have destroyed feeder roads leading to agricultural areas,” said Mwangoma Tayo, a farmer in Kimorigo location in Taveta District.