This archive report was first published on 28 April 2020.
On April 28, 2020, the national government initiated a relief food distribution effort to assist over 1,800 families affected by floods in Garissa Township, following the river Tana's overflow three days prior.
According to reports, the distribution included 550 bags of rice and 20 cartons of cooking oil, which were handed out to victims at various camps, including NEP technical, Young Muslim, ATC, and Hyuga girls primary school, under the supervision of Meru Mwangi, the Area County Commissioner.
Speaking at Hyuga girls primary school, Mwangi announced that the victims would also receive non-food items, such as tents, mosquito nets, water cans, and medical supplies, courtesy of the World Food Programme, the Kenya Red Cross, and other aid agencies.
The County Commissioner stated that the six sub-counties of Dadaab, Hulugho, Balambala, Fafi, Lagdera, and Ijara would receive similar quantities of rice and cooking oil to support flood victims in their respective areas.
Meru Mwangi assured that each family would receive 'enough' food to last at least two weeks following the distribution exercise.
Additionally, Mwangi revealed that local learning institutions had opened their doors to the flood victims to facilitate social distancing and prevent the spread of the Corona virus.
Galbet MCA Abdirizak Ismail, whose ward was severely affected, expressed gratitude to the government for the donations and emphasized the need for the county leadership to collaborate and find a lasting solution to the recurring flood issue.
Abdirizak noted that the flood cycle had drastically changed, with the problem now occurring every 2-3 months, as opposed to the previous 10-year cycle.
He suggested that Kenya Power construct more dams between Masinga dam and Garissa to hold excess waters and prevent flooding downstream.
Abdirizak also urged the victims to adhere to social distancing guidelines and other government regulations to avoid contracting and spreading the highly contagious Corona virus.
Furthermore, he called on the Ministry of Health to conduct hygiene promotions in the camps to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases among the victims.
