Rising water levels in Lake Turkana have triggered a humanitarian crisis in Loyangalani, Marsabit County, submerging critical infrastructure and displacing hundreds of families.
The flooding has cut off access roads, engulfed El Molo Primary School, and submerged shelters, places of worship, and sacred burial sites in Komote Village, leaving the community isolated and vulnerable.
In response, the Kenya Red Cross Society, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Response Emergency Fund, has mobilized emergency food assistance for 500 affected families in Loyangalani Ward, Laisamis Sub-County.
The aid aims to alleviate the immediate suffering of residents who have lost homes, livelihoods, and essential services due to the encroaching waters.
The disaster has disrupted daily life, forcing families to seek higher ground as floodwaters continue to rise. With key infrastructure underwater, including the only access road, relief efforts face significant logistical challenges.
The Kenya Red Cross remains on the ground, coordinating with local authorities to assess further needs and provide additional support.
As climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, communities along Lake Turkana remain at risk of recurrent flooding, calling for long-term solutions to mitigate future disasters.