Situation
Severe flooding in nine counties across Kenya has displaced more than 244,000 men, women and children and has destroyed seasonal crops across an estimated 8,500 acres of land. Most displaced households are living in temporary shelters or are being hosted by extended family. Flood waters have washed out roads, cutting market supplies and leaving communities without access to food and essential non-food items, including mosquito nets in areas prone to malaria and chikungunya. Many displaced communities have reported heavy damages or complete loss of homes, as well as livelihoods assets such as land, livestock and agricultural inputs. Tana River county in eastern Kenya has been the hardest hit, with more than 100,000 people displaced by flooding.
CWS Response
CWS is in the initial assessment phase of our response, and is in close communication with community partners in Tana River county to assess both the immediate and essential needs of flood-displaced households, and the early recovery needs of flood-affected communities. CWS is coordinating with other ACT Alliance members in Kenya, and with the Kenyan Red Cross, to respond to urgent needs and to begin preparing early recovery activities. Our response will likely include: (a) purchase and distribution of essential items such as laundry soap, water purification tabs, kitchen wares and mosquito nets; (b) housing reconstruction; (c) trauma healing and conflict management; and (d) early economic recovery, including of agricultural production and small businesses
A full appeal will be issued as assessments are completed and more information becomes available.
How to Help
Contributions to support CWS worldwide emergency response efforts may be made online or sent to your denomination or Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.