OTTAWA — Immediate, lifesaving assistance will reach more than 50,000 flood-affected people in Kenya, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation. Canada is providing support for the delivery of essential emergency relief items and services for those affected by the flooding.
"Canada's commitment to providing quick and effective humanitarian assistance represents the best of Canadian values," said Minister Fantino. "We are providing essential assistance to meet the urgent needs of tens of thousands of people in crisis due to the destructive flooding in Kenya."
Since March 2013 heavy rainfall has affected several regions in Kenya, with the western, coastal, and northeastern regions being the worst hit. Due to this natural disaster, more than 140,000 people have been displaced, more than 13,500 acres of arable farmland have been destroyed, and a number of livestock have been killed.
With Canada's assistance, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will support the Kenya Red Cross Society to provide essential non-food relief items, water, shelter, and emergency health and sanitation services to affected people throughout the country.
This assistance has been provided through Canada's Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund, a project managed by the Canadian Red Cross Society. For more details on this emergency operation supported by Canada, refer to Emergency appeal – Kenya: Floods 2013 (PDF, 2 KB, 18 pages).
Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to humanitarian work, such as this support for the people of Kenya. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation and the ability to respond to humanitarian crises.
For more information, media should contact:
Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
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