Persons with Disabilities and human rights defenders in Garissa have raised concerns over what they describe as inadequate preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains.
They warned that poor planning could expose thousands of residents to deaths, displacement and destruction of property.
The groups want the national and county governments, as well as humanitarian agencies, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, to urgently strengthen disaster preparedness and protect communities living in flood-prone areas before the heavy rains begin.
Aden Bille, chairman of PWD-Garissa, said people with disabilities were likely to bear the greatest burden during floods because of the difficulties they face in evacuating and accessing emergency services.
Bille urged authorities to learn from the devastating effects of the 1997-98 El Niño rains, which caused widespread flooding, deaths, displacement and destruction of property in different parts of the country.
For residents of areas such as Bula Punda, where Bille lives, the prospect of another major flooding event is particularly worrying.
The neighbourhood is among parts of Garissa town that regularly experience flooding during heavy rains.
Bille said residents who were previously displaced still carried the trauma of losing their homes and livelihoods.
“People with disabilities are always among the worst affected when disasters occur. We have already experienced the trauma caused by floods, and we do not want to go through the same experience again,” he said.
A spot check in Garissa town and its environs showed limited visible preparations, particularly the clearing of drainage channels and waterways prone to blockage even during relatively light rainfall.
Bille said the town’s inadequate drainage network could worsen the impact of heavy rains.
“Garissa has poor drainage systems, and this will definitely cause huge problems in case of heavy rains. That is why the authorities need to start working on a proper drainage system,” he said.
He also expressed concern over flooding along the Tana River, which could threaten homes, livestock, farms and public facilities, including schools and health centres.
The Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network also warned that the level of preparedness was insufficient to deal with a major flooding emergency.
Network member Muktar Dahir said authorities should not wait for floods to occur before beginning emergency interventions.
“As rights groups, we are deeply concerned that the level of preparedness on the ground is still very low. The government cannot afford to wait until the rains begin and flooding occurs before responding. Preparedness must start now,” he said.
Dahir called for an urgent assessment of flood-prone settlements, clear evacuation plans and properly equipped evacuation centres with water, food, sanitation, medical services and temporary shelter.
He said women, children, older persons and people with disabilities required specific protection during emergencies.
“We cannot afford a reactive approach to disaster management. The government must move from responding to disasters after they happen to anticipating risks and acting before lives and livelihoods are lost,” Dahir said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The concerns raised by disability groups and human rights defenders expose a potentially dangerous gap between climate warnings and preparedness on the ground.
Garissa’s flood-prone settlements, inadequate drainage and proximity to the Tana River leave thousands vulnerable, while people with disabilities face additional evacuation and access challenges.
The warning is also an accountability test for both levels of government. Preparedness cannot remain a plan on paper. Authorities must act before the rains turn risks into emergencies.
The Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network Muktar
Dahir speaking to the press. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Residents going about their business in Garissa
town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A street in Garissa full of litter./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Residents going about their business in Garissa
town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
