Floods: Red Cross appeals for funds

The Kenya Red Cross has appealed for funds to assist thousands of Kenyans affected by floods throughout the country.

Secretary General Abbas Gullet has reached out to local and international well wishers to give out their donations.

“We need Sh585 million to help our staff and volunteers on the ground. Our main objectives are to buy non-food items, improve health care, water and sanitation and logistics.”

He put the number of those affected by floods and landslides at over 300,000 since the onset of the rains in early October.  

The floods have resulted in loss of lives and a devastating impact on the infrastructure, livestock, water and sanitation facilities

He added that the donations will be used to facilitate movement and awareness on the situation.

Among the areas that have been affected by the landslides are: North Pokot, where 11 people are believed to have died, and Kahuro in Murang’a district.

Floods have hit Budalang’i, Tana River, Katilu in Turkana, Busia and Trans Nzoia. This has been caused mainly by the bursting of River banks and continued heavy rainfall in the highlands.

In North Eastern alone, 178, 968 people have been displaced by the floods in Bulla, Elwak, Lafey, Rhamu dimtu and Wajir town rendering most of the roads impassable.

“We have been forced to transport our water treating facility from Garissa to be used in Wajir as all the wells, latrines and bucket toilets have over flown and a major health calamity is looming.

“The water table is very low hence most of the latrines fill up easily,” he added.

Mr Gullet said they will also be using chemicals to clean the water.