The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Mathias Ringa
22 May 2008
Nairobi — At least 260 families in Tana delta have been displaced by floods after River Tana burst its banks.
The villagers moved to higher ground before the river burst its banks last weekend, according to district commissioner Charles Monari.
About 160 families were displaced in Garsen Division and another 100 rendered homeless in Kipini Division, the DC told the Nation on Tuesday, adding that there were no deaths.The worst affected villages include Wema, Masiwa, Kau, Rasima, Marembo and Sailoni.
The river got swollen following heavy rains upcountry.
Mr Monari urged villagers in flood-prone areas to leave their homes as soon as possible and move to safer areas. "The Government is appealing to residents in flood-prone areas to leave with immediate effect to avoid being swept away by floods. Already we have 260 families on higher ground," he said.
He said the situation had, however, not reached an emergency level, adding that the Government had donated relief food to the victims to avert starvation.The Kenya Red Cross donated items such as blankets, utensils, mosquito nets and tents.
World Vision International and the Catholic Church officials are also on the ground to assess the situation and help the floods victims, he added.
"Apart from the Government, the Red Cross, the World Vision International and the Catholic Church have come in to assist the flood victims.
"Efforts are being made to ensure they have food and somewhere to stay," said the DC.
Mr Monari said some farmers were, however, using the flood waters to irrigate their shambas.
"While some residents have been displaced from their homes, others are capitalising on the floods to cultivate their farms," added Mr Monari.
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