Masalani, Ijara Sub-County – The community in Masalani, located in the Ijara sub-county of Garissa County, is facing a severe crisis due to flash floods. The heavy downpour in the region has led to significant displacement, with hundreds of residents forced to leave their water-marooned homes.
According to Kenya News Agency, the area is now cut off from essential supplies. Floodwaters have damaged sections of the road network and bridges, severely impacting the delivery of food and non-food items. Residents are compelled to travel over 18 kilometers by canoes on River Tana to reach Masalani bridge, despite the threat of crocodiles, to access vehicles for essential supplies like food, petroleum, and household needs from Tana River county.
Local leaders, including Ijara MP Hon Abdi Sheikhow, Garissa Senator Abdul Mohamed Haji, and Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, have called upon Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to prioritize the construction of dilapidated roads. This infrastructure improvement is crucial for the smooth transportation of goods and people, which is currently a significant challenge due to the damaged roads and bridges.
The situation in Masalani highlights the urgent need for relief and evacuation services for the affected residents. The community’s struggle to access basic necessities underscores the critical need for immediate assistance and long-term infrastructure solutions to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
