Ewaso Nyiro bursts banks, floods sweep over 200 camels in Isiolo
Adan Galgalo with other Isiolo residents who lost livestock after River Ewaso Nyiro burst its banks causing floods in the area address journalists in Isiolo town.
What you need to know:
- Herders watched helplessly as the animals got submerged and swept away
Isiolo pastoralists are counting losses following heavy downpour in parts of the county and the neighbouring Meru and Laikipia Counties which has caused deaths of hundreds of animals in the last few days.
The long-awaited rains have resulted in swelling and bursting of River Ewaso Nyiro’s banks causing flooding in downstream areas of Garbatulla and Merti where pastoralists now risk losing all their livestock.
Close to 10 pastoralists have lost more than 200 camels which were swept away by flash floods at a watering point in Biliqo Marara, Merti following heavy rains on Tuesday evening.
The herders who were driving the camels towards Isiolo town in search of pastures watched helplessly as the animals got submerged and swept away.
Mr Adan Galgalo, one of the victims, lost over 50 camels dealing a huge blow to his source of livelihood.
“We have not gotten any assistance from the leaders and government. Our livelihoods are threatened and we do not know how we will provide for our families,” Mr Galgalo lamented.
The floods come against a backdrop of hunger that has affected more than half of Isiolo residents which had been occasioned by a prolonged drought according to data from National Drought Management Authority.
Ms Saadia Abdirahman, another victim, said it was unfortunate that leaders had abandoned them at the hour of need and efforts to get assistance had hit a snag.
“We do not know where we will be getting money to pay school fees for our children. The camels were our main source of income,” Mr Abdullahi Maalim Ali, who lost 30 camels, said.
The farmers expressed fears that the rains will continue leaving a trail of destruction if they are not assisted to relocate to safer grounds.
Merti Deputy County Commissioner Salim Bagana said efforts by the herders and the public to rescue the submerged animals were unsuccessful.
Mr Bagana said the exact number of camels swept away had not been established and that only a few of them have recorded statements with the police.
The administrator urged residents and pastoralists in low lying areas to move to higher grounds to avoid further loses.
“Our people should relocate to higher grounds for their own safety,” Mr Bagana told the Nation, adding that the government will come up with ways of assisting families affected by the floods.
About 30 carcasses had been recovered by Friday according to one of the affected pastoralists with the majority of them having been partially fed on by crocodiles.
“We will be visiting the Kenya Wildlife Service office to seek assistance for the loss. Help has not been forthcoming in the last two days,” Mr Galgalo said.
Garbatulla and Merti Sub-Counties are prone to floods every year with residents often calling for storm water management to address the issue.
The Meteorological department had predicted that the area would experience suppressed rainfall.
