A 1,000 households have been displaced in Baringo County due to floods caused by heavy torrential rains in the country.
Kenya Red Cross says that on top of nature’s fury, there has been a longstanding conflict in the region.
In a statement, the humanitarian authority says the community has to endure the double-edged crisis now that most of them are displaced in camps.
Kenya Red Cross said families in Moinonin and Loitip, Baringo South are the most affected.
“While many parts of Baringo have now been hit by flooding, the county has also been affected by conflict for quite some time, making it difficult for families to cope. Our Secretary General, Dr. Ahmed Idris, was in Baringo and together with the Baringo Governor and County Commissioner, visited conflict-affected and flood-affected families in Moinonin and Loitip, Baringo South. While there, they interacted with them and distributed food to 1000 households displaced in each camp,’ Kenya Red Cross stated.
Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Red Cross Ahmed Idris noted the challenges faced by the residents calling for escalated humanitarian intervention.
“The double tragedy of conflict/insecurity & floods requires scaled-up humanitarian interventions,” Idris remarked.
@KenyaRedCross is currently responding to a complex humanitarian situation in Baringo.
— Ahmed Idris (@IrshadIdris) May 9, 2024
The double tragedy of conflict/insecurity & floods requires scaled up humanitarian interventions.
We are grateful to our partners @USAIDKenya & @UNICEFKenya for the support. https://t.co/7bYLLd1rlt
Heavy rains, floods to persist
Baringo County has been one of the many places struck by the floods that have washed through most parts of the country leaving behind a trail of destruction and claiming lives.
On Wednesday, May 8, government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura mentioned that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist in 31 counties, particularly affecting areas such as the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Central, and Eastern regions.
The forecast also includes occasional rainfall in Nairobi and along the Coast region, impacting several counties including Tana River, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu.
Mwaura highlighted the continued risk of flooding in regions adjacent to Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo due to backflow, as well as potential overflow from Seven Forks Dams, which could lead to increased flooding in the Tana Delta and the Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.
Furthermore, he mentioned that 61 health facilities in 11 counties have been affected, and approximately 9,816 acres of crops have been destroyed.
“Additionally, 61 health facilities have been affected in 11 Counties and crops on approximately 9,816 acres of land have been destroyed,” he said.
Mwaura said the government is actively involved in ensuring the safety of families at risk, including evacuating households within riparian corridors in Nairobi and areas prone to landslides and mudslides.
Notices have also been issued for sections along Kenya railway tunnels to facilitate rehabilitation efforts.
Mwaura noted the provision of logistical support, temporary shelter, and essential supplies to affected households.
However, he noted the need for additional food, medical kits, and non-food items in affected counties, where search and rescue operations are ongoing, particularly in Narok, West Pokot, Nyeri, Siaya, and Kirinyaga.
