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.
In Brief
This Information Bulletin No. 2 October/2008 reflects the information available at this time.
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 254.20.60.35.93; 254.20.3950000 Fax 254.20.60.35.89
Dr. James Kisia, Deputy Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; kisia.james@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.60.35.93; 254.20.3950000 Fax 254.20.60.35.89
Mr. Titus Mungou, Public Relations Manager, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; info@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.60.35.93; 254.20.3950000 Fax 254.20.60.35.89
Kenya Red Cross adheres 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 programmes or operations, or for a full description of the Society's profile, please access the Kenya Red Cross Website at http://www.kenyaredcross.org or the Federation's Website at http://www.ifrc.org
The Situation
Mandera district received a heavy downpour on the night of 13th October 08 for the first time since 2000 which led to a seasonal river (river Laggas) that cuts through Mandera town in North Eastern Province to burst its banks. A heavy downpour during the previous week also caused River Daua to burst its banks. Floods in the entire town and residential areas have left at least 920 households displaced in Mandera town, temporary shelters and toilets were submerged in water; underground water tanks and boreholes were destroyed and contaminated.
During this same period there has also been sporadic inter clan clashes. Calm had returned in Mandera town over the weekend after three days of clan fighting where several houses were torched. The district security personnel have restored order but a curfew from 6pm-6am remains in force.
Wednesday, 22nd October 2008
Response to the flash floods in Mandera town and its environs has been slowed down by resurgence of clan conflicts.
- There has been tension in Mandera towns and the environs following an attack on Koromey village (a Gari clan village about 7km from Mandera town) on 21st October 2008 at 7pm. An army serviceman and a civilian were killed during the night raid, while 31 houses were torched.
- Four men have been confirmed missing and Koromey village is deserted.
- GSU and army personnel have been deployed to restore order.
- A curfew is still in force in Mandera town, from 6pm-6am. Today, traffic was brought to a stand still, while Kenya's borders with Ethiopia and Somalia remain closed.
- Essential commodities are scarce in Mandera town with an increase in prices of commodities as most business premises have been closed.
- Most humanitarian workers cannot walk or work freely as the situation is unpredictable.