Floodwaters swept into villages in Tana River County on Friday after a seasonal river at Wardesa burst its banks. The Kenya Red Cross Society said more than 300 households were affected in Eldera, Kono Ramadha and Mata Wardesa. Heavy rainfall triggered the flooding, Capital FM reported.
The floods cut off the Kono Ramadha-Mlanjo road. The closure has disrupted movement in the area and made it harder to bring in help. Authorities warned communities downstream to stay alert because water levels remain a threat, The Star reported.
The Red Cross said it had sent response teams to the affected areas. They are assessing the situation, establishing what residents need most and coordinating emergency help. The teams are working with the local administration to warn people downstream and guide families to safe places.
"Our teams are on the ground assessing needs and working with the local administration to alert communities downstream and guide families on where to go for safety," the agency said. It added that its response would depend on what the teams find on the ground.
Heavy rain is also falling in several other parts of the country, according to The Star. The paper said Tana River County is particularly exposed to flooding during intense rainfall. Its seasonal rivers and the Tana River basin put settlements and infrastructure at risk. Families living near seasonal waterways face the greatest danger if the rain continues.
Authorities and aid agencies are expected to assess the damage. They will then decide whether affected households need evacuation, temporary shelter, food or other emergency help. Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to follow advice from local administrators and not to cross flooded roads or waterways.