ReliefWeb

The Kenya Red Cross Society's mission is to build capacity and respond with vigor, compassion and empathy to those affected by disaster and at risk, in the most effective and efficient manner. It works closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 185 countries.

The Operations Update No. 1/2008 reflects the information available at this time:

Kenya Red Cross launched a Preliminary Appeal No. 2/2008 targeting Ksh.585, 839,514 (CHF 6,657,407, USD 7,510,763) that will assist 300,000 beneficiaries for 3 months.

For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:

Mr. Abbas Gullet, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; gullet.abbas@kenyaredcross.org. Phone 254.20.395 0000. Fax 254.20.60.35.89.

Dr. James Kisia, Deputy Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; kisia.james@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.395 0000. Fax 254.20.60.35.89.

Mrs. Annette Msabeni, Acting Head of Department, Disaster Preparedness and Response, Kenya Red Cross Society; Email msabeni.annette@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.395 0000. Fax 254.20.60.35.89.

Mr. Titus Mung'ou, Public Relations & Communications Officer, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email info@kenyaredcross.org . Phone 254.20.395 0000. Fax 254.20.60.35.89.

All Kenya Red Cross Society assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning the Kenya Red Cross Society programmes or operations, or for a full description of the Society's profile, please access the Kenya Red Cross Society Website at http://www.kenyaredcross.org or the Federation's Website at http://www.ifrc.org

Operational Summary

The Kenya Red Cross has carried out a countrywide assessment of the current heavy rains that have caused floods and landslides. More than 300,000 people have been affected by floods and landslides. The floods have resulted in loss of lives and, devastating impact on the infrastructure, livestock, and water and sanitation facilities, among others. Initial assessment by the Kenya Red Cross indicates that victims are in urgent need of shelter, food, health care and sanitation services, among others.

On 13th November 2008, Kenya Red Cross launched an official appeal targeting Ksh.585, 839,514 (CHF 6,657,407, USD 7,510,763) to assist over 300,000 beneficiaries for three months.

Situation

Nyanza/Western

The flood situation in Budalang'i remains the same especially in the northern part where there is no drainage. There are seven camps of displaced persons while some communities have refused to leave their homes in fear of losing their roofing sheets to thieves.

In Nyanza, more than 3,000 people have been affected by floods and 2,300 others lost their crops. The displaced persons in Siaya live in three camps - Nyandorera A and Nyadorera B sub-location and Rwambwa Health Centre.

Floods were also reported in Nyatike Division Makalda Central Kadem in Migori District where 700 people (200 households) were affected with 154 household shelters partially submerged and 46 household shelters totally submerged. At Karungu Market, households of about 200 people were displaced after the market was submerged.

Among the displaced people were 20 students from Lawanda Secondary school and 70 children below five 5 years.

Coast

In Coast, water level is increasing in Hola and Garsen as River Tana is swelling. There are fears that the dam waters might cause massive floods, if released. About 400 people have been displaced in Hola. In Garsen, the water level is increasing and some farms in Tiananga and Dumibeen were washed away. In Bura, 180 households in Chardente, Wayu and Maramtu have been displaced.