Two Elderly Men Drown in Garissa Amid Severe Flooding, Helicopter Accident Claims Life in Masalani

GARISSA, Kenya – In a tragic turn of events, two elderly men drowned last night in the towns of Garissa and Hulugho, following a heavy downpour that caused widespread destruction. The rains, lasting over six hours, have left a trail of damage across the region, exacerbating the ongoing flooding crisis.

According to Kenya News Agency, the victims were trying to cross flooded roads when they were swept away by the strong currents. Chesut, addressing the press in his office, confirmed that the bodies were recovered this morning and police investigations are underway.

The downpour, which began around 7 pm and continued past midnight, caused significant damage to homes and shops, and led to the collapse of pit latrines on the outskirts of Garissa town and nearby areas in Tana River County. Chesut urged the public to avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers, and valleys, highlighting the dangers posed by the enhanced El-Nino rains.

Chesut appealed to people to move away from flood-prone areas and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding shelter under trees during rainstorms due to the risk of falling trees or lightning strikes. He reported that main roads, including Modiga – Modogashe and Garissa – Dadaab, have been completely cut off, advising motorists to avoid these routes.

The County Commissioner also requested assistance from donor agencies and partners for airlifting food and non-food items to areas isolated by the floods. He mentioned that Hulugho sub-county is among the worst affected, with Hulugho town nearly submerged.

The government is continuing to distribute relief food to those displaced by the floods and sheltering in various camps. In addition to the flooding crisis, Chesut reported a tragic helicopter accident in Masalani sub-county, which occurred while delivering national examination papers to areas cut off by the floods. He described the accident as ‘quite unfortunate’ and praised the helicopter pilots for their crucial role in delivering examination materials.

Chesut advised officers overseeing examination distribution and the public to exercise caution around helicopters. He confirmed that Ahmed Nur Ismael, deputy head teacher of Masalani primary school and sub-county examination officer, was fatally struck by the helicopter’s tail rotor during takeoff. The accident occurred while the pilot was dropping examination materials at the DCC container in Masalani. Police have processed the scene and removed the body.