Mandera: Over 500 Families Displaced As Ethiopian River Breaks Its Banks

• River Dawa in Ethiopia broke its banks, leading to devastating floods as a result of heavy rains that swept several families in Mandera East
• Kenya Red Cross said that 350 people had been provided with essential wash items including water treatment chemicals and jerricans
• Heavy rains in most parts of the country have continued to cause more devastating effects as families lose countless property

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Mandera - The relentless deluge sweeping across numerous regions of the continent persists in its devastating impact.

In Ethiopia, the normally tranquil River Dawa, flowing from the Ethiopian highlands, has surged beyond its confines under the weight of incessant downpours, inflicting widespread havoc upon adjacent areas.

According to a communication by the Kenya Red Cross, the repercussions of this natural calamity have been particularly severe in the Mandera East sub-county, situated along the southern border with Ethiopia, where the overflowing waters of the River Daua have wrought significant damage, resulting in the displacement of over 500 households.

"After the River Dawa broke its banks due to heavy rains experienced in the Southern Ethiopian Highlands, over 500 households in Mandera East sub-county have been displaced," read the statement in part.

Kenya Red Cross helps Mandera flood victims

The emergency response team reported that the affected families had been identified and provided with food, soaps, water treatment chemicals, and other essential items.

"Thanks to @UNICEFKenya, 350 households have already received essential wash items such as jerrycans, soaps, water treatment chemicals and dignity kits, as we work to reach more," the statement added.

Nairobi woman displaced by floods seeks help

A Nairobi's single mother appealed for help after floods displaced her from a house she was gifted in Kahawa Wendani.

Irene Ndanu said she had faced familial rejection which made her relocate to the city unaware of the challenges awaiting her.

Unfortunately, she became one of the victims who lost everything to floods following the heavy rains.

What else you need to know about floods in Kenya

• Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said schools in seven counties might not open as scheduled due to extreme flood effects
• A Nyandarua couple were heartbroken after losing their greenhouse with crops to floods
• Mai Mahiu man whose house was not swept away by floods recounted watching neighbours' houses go with floods

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke