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International
Federation boosts its efforts to help flood victims in Kenya and warns
of more floods to come in Africa 6 December 2006 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching a revised emergency appeal for 26.3 million Swiss Francs (21.9 million US$/ 16.5 million €) to support the Kenya Red Cross Society in its response to the current flooding affecting most parts of the country, especially the North-East and the Coastal regions. It aims to assist around 563,000 people over the next four months. According to figures released last week, approximately 723,000 people have been affected in different parts of the country and about 60,000 people have been displaced in the coastal, western and eastern provinces of Kenya. At least 34 people already died. Out of the total number, more than 315,000 people are cut off as a result of destroyed road links and bridges, especially in the Ijara district. The health situation is particularly alarming. There is a high risk of water-borne disease such as cholera because of the hot temperatures coupled with flood waters. Malaria cases have also been reported to be on the rise. Kenya Red Cross volunteers are increasing their efforts to reach the most vulnerable people and provide them with emergency help, using helicopters and boats when necessary. The appeal includes the provision of water purification tablets and sachets to 176,000 people while emergency water supplies will be provided to 151,000 persons through 23 mobile water treatment plants. Some 10,000 emergency latrines will be built for 200,000 displaced people. Three Emergency Response Units have been dispatched to Nairobi. Other actions include the opening of operational centres in the most affected areas and providing assistance in the management of camps for 60,000 internally displaced persons. Distribution of seeds and tools to affected rural communities will also take place to avoid food insecurity in the months to come, as most crops have been washed away. Floods have also been affecting several countries in the region, especially Somalia. But it could spread to other areas. “We are increasingly worried about more floods affecting more countries over the next few days and weeks,” says Peter Rees, Head of the Operations Support Department at the International Federation. “The weather forecast indicates that rains should go on until at least late December. If this is confirmed, then there is a high risk for other countries to be affected, especially in central and southern Africa,” he adds. Severe floods have also been reported in Congo Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, among others. The national Red Cross societies in those countries are on high alert and are responding to the emergency. “The situation could have a long-term effect on people in all affected areas of Africa. The level of international response to the floods has been too low. We must not allow another vulnerability to be added to existing ones if we want to have a chance to achieve the Millennium Development Goals,” concludes Markku Niskala, Secretary General of the International Federation. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: In Nairobi Anthony Mwangi, Public Relations Manager, Kenya Red Cross Tel: + 254 721 551 342 In Geneva Jean-Luc Martinage, Press Officer, Geneva Tel: + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 3386 Duty phone (out-of-hours) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 185 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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