Floods Isolate Garissa Town, Sever Key Supply Routes

Garissa, Kenya: Residents of Garissa and the broader North Eastern region face a crisis as major roads, crucial for supplies and transport, have been inundated by floods. The situation worsens as relentless El-Nino induced rains continue to batter the area, causing unprecedented disruption.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Nairobi-Garissa highway, a vital supply route and the primary access point to the North Eastern region, has been indefinitely closed. Three sections of this highway, including the Modogo-Garissa stretch, were rendered impassable after being swept away by floodwaters. This closure has left trucks carrying essential groceries and foodstuffs stranded in the Tula area, unable to cross the flooded road. Additionally, the Garissa-Hola-Mombasa Road was also shut down due to similar issues, significantly impacting transport and supply lines in the region.

Residents and business leaders in the affected areas have expressed their deep concerns. Alex Njeru, a community leader and Garissa-based businessman, highlighted the imminent threat of food and fuel shortages in Garissa town if the roads remain closed. He stressed the urgency of the situation, pointing out that critical medical emergencies requiring transport to Nairobi could result in fatalities. Njeru also mentioned the unsafe conditions at the Garissa airstrip, further complicating transport and logistics.

Transporters like Mburu Manyatta are facing significant losses, with trucks stranded between Garissa and the Tula area. Manyatta emphasized the financial impact on transport businesses, many of which are burdened with loans taken to purchase trucks.

Yussuf Sheikh Mohamed, speaking from the Dokanotu area on the Garissa-Mombasa route, called for the construction of modern bridges over the destroyed road sections. He advocated for experienced Chinese companies to be awarded contracts, citing dissatisfaction with the performance of local contractors.

Retired civil servant Daudi Loka compared the current situation to the 1997 El Nino rains, noting that the present destruction of major highways is unprecedented. Loka described the dire situation in Mororo along the highway, now completely submerged after the river Tana burst its banks.

Sala Ward MCA Mohamed Barrow reported that all villages along the river Tana are submerged, emphasizing the urgent need for relief assistance, including tents, foodstuff, mosquito nets, drugs, and other non-food items.

The catastrophic El-Nino-caused rains have already claimed at least 90 lives and displaced thousands of families across Kenya, signaling an escalating humanitarian crisis.