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Kenya:
International Federation launches emergency appeal to help flood victims
17 November 2006 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching an emergency appeal for 9.8 million Swiss Francs (7.8 million US$/6.1 million €) to support the Kenya Red Cross Society in its response to the current flooding affecting the North-East and the Coastal area. It aims to assist around 300,000 people over the next six months. This appeal comes on the heels of the Kenya Red Cross Society national appeal issued on 15 November. At least 23 people have lost their lives since the heavy rains started again in early November. Approximately 300,000 people have been affected in different parts of the country, mainly in the coastal area and in the North-East. The rains have caused severe destruction. Bridges have been washed away and roads have been cut off. The rains left many commuters stranded for days without food. Crops and farmland have also been destroyed, bringing up fears of renewed food insecurity in the affected regions over the months to come. Kenya Red Cross volunteers immediately went into action as soon as flooding was reported. Emergency help was provided and flood assessments have been carried out. The appeal aims to support Kenya Red Cross in providing logistical support to distribute food for a total population of 300,000 people. About 50,000 households will receive blankets, tarpaulins, bars of soap, jerrycans, kitchen sets and mosquito nets. In addition, 600 tonnes of seeds and fertilizers will be distributed to affected farming communities. Other activities include the distribution of water purification tablets, setting up water storage facilities, the construction of emergency latrines and the promotion of hygiene messages. Medical supplies will be provided to health facilities to contain diarrhoeal outbreaks. The International Federation has already allocated 150,000 Swiss francs (120,000 US$ /94,000 €) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to assist Kenya Red Cross in responding to the disaster. It is coordinating its efforts with all humanitarian actors working in Kenya. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Omar Valdimarsson, Regional Communications Manager, Nairobi Tel: + 254 733 632 946 Jean-Luc Martinage, Press Officer, Geneva Tel: + 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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