Severine Flores (Communication Officer)
Several thousand people have been forced
to leave their homes following severe floods in Western provinces of Kenya.
Two weeks of heavy rain and the failure of a dam submerged villages and
roads, leaving thousands homeless and threatening a region with about 1
million inhabitants.
Medair has been active for 8 years in the region and has a relief base in Nairobi. It has responded to emergencies in Kenya over the years (e.g. drought related food shortages in Northern Kenya). An air-assisted survey team is currently assessing the needs to prepare a humanitarian response. First results should come within 24 hours.
The whole region could soon be affected by a clean water shortage, while millions of people could face water and hygiene related diseases. It is known as a cholera-prone area.
These torrential rains are occurring during Kenya's wet season, which began later than expected and should continue until mid-June. This area is known to be subject to floods, due to the proximity of Lake Victoria and many rivers. The humanitarian crisis is aggravated by the density of the population, attracted by the fertility of the soil.
Contacts:
Sheryl Haw, Operations Director (EN)
Tel. : +41 (0)21 694 35 35
sheryl.haw@medair.org
Erik Volkmar, CEO (FR, EN)
Tel: +41 (0) 21 694 35 30
erik.volkmar@medair.org