GOVERNMENT has warned that farmers in Tana River County who defy flood advisories will be forcibly removed from flood-prone villages.
The Commissioner of Tana River County, David Koskei, said the government has increased the call for people at risk to return to the camp but some are insisting on continuing to cultivate and harvest their crops.
“The river has already overflowed and is entering the fields, yet someone is defiant. That will not be allowed,” he said.
Mr Koskei said although it hurts to see the plants drowning near the harvest stage, life is very important and will be protected at any cost.
He called on the farmers who are still in their fields to return to the camp before the situation worsens.
“Putting your life in danger is a criminal offence, and the government is very clear and has warned us several times, let us be obedient,” he said.
The floods caused by the heavy rains have so far blocked the roads in Tana River and Garissa, causing traffic problems and loss of millions of dollars to drivers who transport crops.
According to the Chief Special Planning Officer in the county, Mrs. Salma Makuru, the situation may lead to an increase in food prices in the next few days.
Ms. Makuru notes that more than 11 villages are currently flooded with water from the Tana River, so if the Masinga Dam starts to overflow, the situation will be worse.
He said more than 25,000 families are currently in camps and emergency aid is needed.
Elsewhere in Mombasa, a section of Links road in Nyali Street was still impassable for the fourth day on Saturday.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), warned drivers to find alternative routes.
Several other roads in Kisauni and in the city were also flooded after heavy rains in the morning but the flood water subsided within a few hours.
Officials of Mombasa County worked hard to uncover water pipes especially in the center of the city.
