Kenya: OCHA Situation Report - Mandera Crisis, 06 Nov 2008

This situation report is based on information received from the Government, UN Agencies and other humanitarian partners in the field.

Highlights

- 600 hectares of farmland has been submerged in Mandera Central district, jeopardizing the livelihoods of approximately 1,200 families.

- Tensions have escalated in the recently flooded Mandera districts; at least 9,600 have been displaced by previous floods and clashes.

- Human rights groups are alleging persecution by a joint military and police security operation in the region, "Chunga Mpaka" (Guard the Border).

- Humanitarian response in the region has been impeded by insecurity.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

1. The water levels have receded in some areas affected by flash floods in Mandera district on 14 October; however, new flooding due to runoff and continued rainfall in some areas is impacting communities. On 3 November, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) reported that 600 hectares of farmland have been submerged in Rhamu and Rhamu Dimtu Divisions of Mandera Central district (see attached map). The 600 hectares normally supports approximately 1,200 families, whose livelihoods have now been jeopardized after recently planted crops were destroyed. The KRCS estimates that flooding will last 60-90 days; the KRCS is currently assessing humanitarian needs of the affected populations.

2. Over 9,600 persons have been displaced in the vicinity of Mandera Town; while approximately two thirds were displaced by the floods, 3,800 people were displaced by inter-clan violence which erupted in the wake of the floods. Competition for scarce resources (owing to successive droughts and the recent floods) and clan rivalries are fuelling the clashes, which have led to at least ten deaths between 16-21 October.

3. Recognizing the deteriorating security situation a joint military and police Government security operation, "Chunga Mpaka" (Guard the Border), was deployed in late September to disarm the warring clans, who are believed to be accessing some weapons from Somalia. As of 31 October, at least 48 guns and more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition had been recovered. Furthermore, at least 600 detonators en route to Mandera were recovered in Nairobi by authorities on 30 October.

Map: Mandera Triangle - 06 November 2008 - North East Region - Kenya