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Kenya

One person injured and 127 households left homeless as rains cause havoc in western region

The Western Region has been experiencing heavy rains in the last one week that has left 127 households affected and one person injured with a broken leg.

On Tuesday 14th March 2013 at around 5 pm, a strong wind storm swept through Vihiga, Hamisi and Sabatia Constituencty as well as leaving at least 61 households homeless and one person injured with a broken leg.

The Kenya Red Cross (KRCS) through the Western Region Office and Vihiga sent a rapid assessment team that included staff, volunteers and the local administration to assess the impact of the affected population and identify any existing gaps and needs in terms of water and sanitation, health, shelter, protection, education and food. Most of the affected populatioon have integrated into the community. From the initial assessment, it was reported that a total of 61 houses were blown off (31 in Gavundunyi, 26 in Game and four more in Galona leaving at least 61 household affected.

Furthermore, it was discovered that the affected households were in dire need of non-food items that included blankets, mosquito nets, soap as well as food items such as 200 bags of maize, 100 bags of beans, 50 bags of rice and 100 cartons of oil. With children and mothers exposed to the cold, there was also an urgent need of preventive medication as well as iron sheets and nails to enable the affected population to start the reconstruction process as well as basic stationery for school going children as most were blown off or dampened by the rain.

Based on the rapid assessment, on Saturday 16th March 2013, the KRCS conducted an emergency distribution of non-food items distribution to the affected population and managed to donate 61 blankets, 61 mosquito nets and 61 bar soaps.

This was the second storm experienced in the area this month, the first one being on Saturday 10th March 2013.

In Kisumu West District at Kothan Sub-location, 15 roofs were blown off and eight walls destroyed after heavy rains hit the area on 20th March 2013 and further rendering 28 households homeless. A health centre in the area was also affected by the rains. A rapid assessment team has been deployed to the area. From the initial assessment, there is need for urgent distribution of non-food items.

Meanwhile, in Nyatike district, West Kadem sub-location, Approximately 427 people affected with 127 houses being blown off or completely being destroyed after heavy rains were experienced on 20th March 2013. A total of 61 families already reached with the urgent needs with the situation still under surveillance. The items included blankets, nets, soap and water treatment chemicals for use.

Assessment is on-going and urgent items provided to the affected population that have already been integrated into the community. A nearby school was also affected with one classroom roof being blown off as well as three staff quarters.