CHF 314,208 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 20,832 beneficiaries. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: Despite the Kenya Meteorological Department’s prediction of depressed March-April-May (MAM) 2012 rains in the country, parts of South western, Rift Valley, Coast, Central as well as localized parts in Nairobi and parts of South Eastern Kenya have for the last three consecutive weeks received above normal rainfall amounts (exceeding 20-50mm per day) resulting in flash floods, loss of lives, displacement, destruction of property and public infrastructure.

The Kenya Red Cross estimates that approximately 42 people have lost their lives in flood related incidents and approximately 3,616 households (20,832 beneficiaries) have been displaced from their homes and require humanitarian support. An additional 9,938 households (59,628 beneficiaries) are at risk of displacement since they reside in areas that are historically either flood or landslide prone. KRCS is planning with government concerning their possible evacuation. Excessive rainfall is expected to continue into May 2012 leading to additional flooding, displacement and loss of life. Assessment is currently ongoing, the results of which may recommend additional actions, including launching an emergency appeal.

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has responded to the needs of the affected populations by mobilizing staff and volunteers to provide humanitarian response including distribution of food and non food Items (NFIs), point of use water treatment chemicals, First Aid, search and rescue services, provision of psychosocial support, tracing services and transportation of casualties from the site to hospitals.

The Kenya Red Cross Society, through this DREF operation, requests funds to assist 3,616 households (20,832 beneficiaries) affected by floods for a period of three months, through provision of food and non food items, search and rescue services, health, water and sanitation and community outreaches to avoid further loss of life and prevent possible disease outbreaks. Funds received will also be used to replenish the Society’s already provided NFI stocks in line with its preparedness strategy which strives to ensure that NFI stocks are always readily available to respond to emerging disasters.

This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 7 August, 2012; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation.