This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Heavy rainfall in Ethiopia has caused flooding in Mandera, a county that has only recorded near normal rainfall this season.
Residents of Takaba town in Mandera West are counting their losses after the Lagwarera river, which originates from the Ethiopian highlands, started flowing on Sunday.
Takaba Town MCA Bishar Maalim Abdullahi described the destruction caused by the flooded river as devastating.
"People along the seasonal river have been displaced, houses submerged, and we are in the process of knowing how many people have been affected," he said, calling for humanitarian support.
According to the MCA, parts of Takaba town are flooded due to the overflowing river.
"These are effects of the heavy downpour in the Ethiopian highlands since we are yet to receive enough rains locally to cause this kind of destruction," he said.
Mandera West Deputy County Commissioner Kipkoech Labatt described the situation as disastrous.
"The situation is not good in Mandera West, but we are hoping a reduction of downpour in Ethiopia will calm our situation," he said.
Residents are struggling to access basic necessities due to the flooding, which has caused a complete cut-off of Takaba from surrounding villages.
"We cannot access the local airstrip due to floods; some villagers cannot come to Takaba town for shopping at the moment," said Mr Mohamed Maalim.
The flooded river has paralyzed public transport between Takaba-Banisa and Mandera town.
"We are unable to proceed with our journey to Mandera after arriving here on Monday afternoon," said Ms Ann Wangui by phone.
Other towns in Mandera affected by the flooding include Banisa and Kotulo in Mandera South.
As of October 8, 2019, Mandera has only recorded near normal rainfall this season, according to the local meteorological office.
