TANA RIVER, Kenya — A worsening humanitarian crisis has unfolded in Tana River County after floods displaced more than 3,127 families, leaving thousands homeless, hungry, and without access to essential services in Tarasaa and Tana Delta sub-counties.
Entire villages have been cut off for more than a month as rising floodwaters submerged homes, schools, health facilities, and farmlands, forcing affected residents into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Tarasaa Sub-County has emerged as the hardest-hit area, with villages including Samicha, Odhole, Mwanja, and Handaraku completely marooned and inaccessible by road.
Schools and Health Facilities Cut Off
The floods have severely disrupted education and healthcare services across the affected areas.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, at least 17 health facilities are currently marooned and unable to operate, while several schools remain inaccessible, leaving hundreds of learners out of class.
In Samicha Village, residents have relocated to the Marafa IDP camp, forcing the closure of the local Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre due to a lack of pupils.
In neighbouring Odhole, more than half of the residents have moved to camps, with over 85 pc of learners unable to attend school after relocating with their families.
Red Cross Responds as Food Shortages Worsen
Officials from the Kenya Red Cross Society say humanitarian assistance has focused largely on emergency shelter and sanitation support, but food shortages remain acute.
Anthony Muchiri, the organisation’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager, said 3,127 families have been displaced and are currently living in IDP camps.
“As Kenya Red Cross Society, together with the county government and other agencies, we have been able to support 2,700 families with emergency shelter materials,” he said.
The agency has also distributed hygiene materials to affected households and established several IDP camps.
Additionally, 71 emergency latrines have been constructed in partnership with county water officials to improve sanitation conditions in displacement centres.
Residents Appeal for Urgent Food Aid
Local leaders say many affected families have lost homes, livestock, and crops, leaving them without any source of income or food.
Konemasa Location Chief Issa Komoro said Samicha Village alone has more than 100 households, while Odhole has around 300 households, all heavily affected by the flooding.
“The entire Samicha village is marooned. Fortunately, residents were sensitised and moved to Marafa IDP camp, which now hosts over 500 displaced households,” he said.
At Kijo Farm IDP camp in Tana Delta, camp leader Omar Maro Diwayu acknowledged the support received from humanitarian agencies but said food remains the most urgent need.
“The problem is you can sleep inside a shelter and feel good, but if you have nothing to eat, you will never get sleep because we lost everything as a result of the floods,” he said.
Calls for Government Intervention
Flood victims continue to appeal for immediate government assistance, citing shortages of food, clean water, and access to their homes.
Idi Jarso Wario, a resident of Handaraku, said floodwaters have submerged access routes, preventing families from returning home or reaching grazing fields.
Another victim, Madina Abdalla, said displaced families are struggling to survive in temporary shelters.
“We have no food; we are hungry; there is nothing at all. We ask the government to intervene and help us,” she said.
