This afternoon a large thunderstorm developed over Isiolo and the surrounding area. The land is bone dry from months of drought, the soil is dust and the sudden downpour carries it away depositing it elsewhere. Deep channels are cut a spontaneous rivers appear.
People watch as the water washes through their houses, grabbing at possessions that float away. The road outside my house is a river within minutes, more than 2ft deep, I can’t cross it because the current is too strong.
Animals are swept away as dry riverbeds become raging torrents. The wet and sudden cold that has come with the storm could mean death to many of the remaining livestock that are weak from the long drought.
Yet, despite the drama and destruction a few hours of heavy rain can cause it won’t break the drought, the water has gone as quickly as it came.