Hola, Tana River County – Tana River County has been allocated Sh. 550 million by the national government to address the severe flooding caused by the ongoing El Nino rainfall, as confirmed by Governor Major (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana. This funding is aimed at mitigating the flood’s impact, including providing relief to those affected by the disaster.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking to journalists in Hola Town, the funds will be crucial in supplying relief food to displaced residents. The River Tana’s overflow has led to significant displacement, with numerous villages becoming inaccessible due to flooded roads. The situation has necessitated the need for aerial support, with the Governor highlighting the county’s requirement for at least two helicopters to drop food rations to cut-off villages.
Currently, Hola, the county’s headquarters, remains reachable only via Mombasa, with all other routes, including those from Garissa, Nairobi, Wayu, Ijara, Masalani, Asa Kone, and Waldena, being severed by the floods. The Governor expressed concerns over looming food shortages, as Hola is the primary supply point for many villages, and food stocks are expected to deplete within three days due to the deteriorated condition of the dry weather roads.
The heavy rains have led to a humanitarian crisis in the county, displacing approximately 10,000 people. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently sheltering in areas like Garsen, Galole, Bura, Waldena, and Bangale. In Tanadelta Sub County, several areas including Asa Kone, Kone, Galana, Waldena, Kone Kaliki, Haboye Titila, Wayu, and Matolani Hawewanje, are cut off from road access.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Hassan Barissa, Chairman of the Tana River Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, echoed the Governor’s concerns. He highlighted the dire situation for local businesses, with road closures severely hampering the transportation of goods. There is a growing fear that essential supplies, including food and drugs, might soon run out in towns like Hola, Garsen, and Bura.
Barissa urged both the National Government and donors to prioritize urgent road repairs to restore access to the affected areas, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the crisis.