Tana River County floods, Tana north district, Kenya initial rapid assessment (KIRA) report 17-21 April 2013

CONTEXT

Event

The forecast from Kenya Meteorological Department, February 2013 long rains seasonal forecast indicated near normal to enhanced rainfall for the central highlands area. Tana River County was predicted to receive near normal with a tendency to below normal rainfall. The intensity of the rains in the central highlands traditionally impacts on Tana River County, especially along the riverine agricultural areas.

By the end March/ beginning of April there was substantial flooding in the riverine areas of Tana River County. Reports from first line responder, the Kenya Red Cross Society and from government authorities on the ground began to highlight an increasingly difficult humanitarian situation for many communities in the three districts of Tana River County.

With indications of information and response gaps, it was agreed that a KIRA mission be initiated to assess humanitarian impacts and guide further decisions on response.