Residents of Garissa are crying out over extreme high temperatures currently being experienced in the region, with reports that the heat has become so intense that empty plastic water tanks are melting down.
According to locals, the scorching sun has pushed temperatures to unbearable levels, making life extremely difficult for both humans and livestock in the county.
Garissa, which is known as one of the hottest areas in Kenya, is currently experiencing one of its worst heatwaves, with residents saying they have never witnessed such intense heat before.
Photos and videos shared online show empty plastic tanks that have deformed and melted due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Residents explained that when plastic tanks are left empty without water, they become even more vulnerable to the heat and easily collapse or melt under the scorching sun.
Many families are now being forced to keep their tanks filled with water at all times or cover them to prevent them from being destroyed by the sun.
The extreme heat has also affected daily activities, with many people avoiding moving outside during the day and livestock struggling to find water and shade.
Health experts have warned Garissa residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and take care of children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Pastoralists in the area are also counting losses as water pans dry up quickly and pasture becomes scarce due to the harsh weather.
Locals are now calling on the government and well-wishers to help with water trucking and other interventions to cushion them from the effects of the ongoing heatwave.
They also called on the Meteorological Department to give regular updates on the weather patterns to help them prepare.