A section of North Eastern and Coastal legislators have asked the government to declare the ongoing floods that have wrecked havoc in different parts of the country a national disaster.
Led by Garsen Member of Parliament Ali Wario, the leaders said people have lost their lives and property worth millions destroyed by floods.
Speaking in a media briefing at parliamentary buildings, Mr Wario said things are getting out of hand as more people are in need of shelter, water, sanitation, food, and medication.
Mr Wario said there is a need for the government to declare the floods a national disaster claiming that the reality on the ground is dire and overwhelming.
He said that in his constituency, learning has been affected as 17 schools have been destroyed adding that 80 percent of residents in his area have also been affected.
“As we speak 80 percent of my constituency is affected by floods, 17 schools have been closed, no learning is going on, many residents have been rendered homeless.”
“Am urging the government and well-wishers if it means the provision of tents, kindly help us so as to facilitate the learning process in our area. I want the government to declare this as a national disaster and move in with speed and salvage the situation,” he said.
Mandera West Member of Parliament Hajji Yusuf said floods had become a major humanitarian crisis and efforts should be put in place to alleviate the suffering of the affected people.
Mr Yusuf warned that road network in North Eastern has been adversely affected leading to a crisis of fuel of vehicles in the area.
“More resources should be diverted to dealing with flood damage. The government needs to re-strategise its bid on disaster preparedness so as to avert a further crisis,” he said.