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Kenya

More People Displaced in Pounding Rain

Heavy rains continued pounding several parts of the country over the weekend, with several families getting displaced here and there. In Thika County’s Ofafa area at least 100 households (HH) were affected when their houses were submerged after heavy rains on the evening of 1st May; 2012.

Most of the affected families moved in with friends as their houses were full of water and other had temporarily moved to the community hall to allow the water to drain, out of their houses. The Kenya Red Cross Society Thika Branch, who responded to the situation immediately today 2nd May 2012, carried out a rapid assessment to determine the extend of the damage in order to assist with Non Food Items (NFIs).

In Kirinyaga, Mwea, floods displaced at least 10 HH of Thome village over this weekend. A response team from KRCS and officials from the local authority set up a rescue center where affected families are still camping.

In West Kenya Region, water levels of River Nzoia have now reached 4.63m, a rather worrying situation. In 2011, the water levels that displaced hundreds of families in Budalang'i, was at 5.1m. Consequently, the KRCS personnel from Busia Branch have advised communities that are at risk to move higher grounds.

KRCS continues to respond to those affected by the floods through rescue, creation of awareness, provision of NFIs that include tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, collapsible Jerry cans, among others.

Currently, at least 60,000 people have been affected by the current floods and landslides with 40 people having lost their lives, 42 other injured and 2 others are still missing.