Refugees living in Dadaab refugee camp in Garissa County have been displaced by flash floods following heavy rains that pounded the area.
The heavy rains have destroyed hundreds of homes in the camp leaving many refugees homeless and cutting off road access to the camp.
Mr. Caleb Odhiambo, Area Manager of Save the Children’s Dadaab operation said thousands of refugees have been rendered homeless.
He said the refugees were forced to shelter in schools as their homes were rendered uninhabitable after floods swept their homes away and other belongings.
Mr. Odhiambo expressed fears of an outbreak of water-borne diseases as the latrines in the camp had collapsed.
Mr. Odhiambo said the camp is equipped with pit latrines which are now overflowing, creating a breeding ground for diseases like cholera.
He further said that the refugee agency and government should be worried about the health and safety of children seen playing in the stagnant water. Children are children and they want to play in the water which is practically toxic. They don’t realize it could be fatal. The flood waters are washing away people’s belongings, livestock and homes and families are living in open areas without access to shelter or food,” said Mr. Odhiambo.