Kenya Red Cross Provides Aid to 1,000 Flood-Affected Households in Nairobi

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has distributed food to 1,000 households in Nairobi that have been affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The floods have submerged residences and cut off roads in areas such as Kitengela, with Deliverance Road, Balozi Road, Baraka Road, Blessed Court, New Valley, Changombe, and the KAG area being the most severely impacted.

KRCS teams have rescued 11 people and a dog from the floodwaters so far. They are actively assisting families in the worst affected areas, helping households and working to reach others who are stranded. The Red Cross's efforts are part of a larger response to widespread flooding across Kenya that has displaced over 30,099 households, affecting approximately 150,495 individuals.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in Kenya has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with over 170 fatalities, more than 102 injuries, and widespread destruction of property. The KRCS plays a vital role as first responders, providing life-saving assistance and essential supplies to affected communities during this disaster.

The Kenyan government has ordered people living in flood-prone regions to evacuate within 48 hours, warning of continued heavy rainfall and flooding that pose significant threats to public safety and infrastructure. The government has assured support for the evacuation process, including providing temporary shelters and essential supplies. Individuals who refuse to comply with the directive will be forcibly relocated to ensure their safety.

Established in 1965, the KRCS has a long history of responding to emergencies and natural disasters in Kenya, including droughts, floods, disease outbreaks, and conflicts. Beyond emergency response, the organization is also engaged in long-term community development initiatives. In 2023, the Kenyan government reinstated budgetary provisions for the KRCS, allocating an initial Sh100 million to support their work.

In response to the current flood crisis, the KRCS has conducted search and rescue missions, prepositioned shelter kits, distributed essential supplies, provided psychosocial support services, and facilitated the transport of individuals to health facilities. "The Kenya Red Cross has been at the forefront of the response efforts, serving as first responders and ensuring effective and well-organized assistance," stated a government spokesperson regarding the KRCS's critical role in the flood response.

Key Takeaways

• KRCS distributes food to 1,000 households affected by severe flooding in Nairobi.
• KRCS rescues 11 people and a dog, assists stranded families in worst-hit areas.
• Flooding in Kenya has displaced over 30,099 households, affecting 150,495 individuals.
• Kenyan govt orders evacuation of flood-prone regions, provides temporary shelters and supplies.
• KRCS conducts search/rescue, distributes supplies, provides transport and psychosocial support.