El Nino: 171k People Displaced In Tana River, Governor Godhana Pleads For Urgent Aid To Save Lives

• Governor Dhadho Godhana said Tana River county requires KSh 2 billion to deal with the deteriorating effects of El Nino
• Godhana said currently, 171,168 people and over 28,000 households have been affected since the start of El Nino rains
• He called on the national government and other organisations to step up their efforts to help them deal with the current humanitarian crisis

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has pleaded with the national government and other non-governmental organisations to help them mitigate the effects of El Nino rains.

Addressing the press on Monday, December 18, Godhana decried the prolonged humanitarian crisis in the coastal county because of heavy floods.

Dhadho Godhana's appeal to the national government

Godhana said that despite the county receiving support from the national government and other organisations, the current situation calls for more interventions.

"The humanitarian situation is far beyond what the county can manage. We appreciate the support we have received from the national government, the World Food Programme, and other organisations, but the situation is now more complex," Godhana said.

He called on the government and other non-governmental organisations to help them control the situation as the heavy downpours continue to wreak havoc.

The governor said there is a need for the national government to mobilise more resources in order to put in place basic services in those areas temporarily as the programme to settle them permanently continues.

Godhana provided an account number where well-wishers could channel their contributions towards the humanitarian crisis in the county.

"We want to make public our account which is KCB 1290396809 so that any person who wishes to donate materials in terms of shelter, and food aid, the committee is already available to receive those materials, and the account is also ready to receive money for those who wish to donate cash," he stated.

How many people are affected by floods in Tana River?

According to the latest statistics, 171,768 people have been affected by the floods,, which translates to 54.59% of the total Tana River population.

More than 28,000 households, with 10,000 of them living in 53 IDP camps, have been affected by the floods.

The governor disclosed that six people have died, with one of the deaths being a result of the cholera outbreak in the county.