Situation report 006 – Country Wide Floods and Huruma Building Collapse
Sitrep no. 006/May/2016
Date of issue – 16/05/2016
Time period of Sitrep: 1600Hrs
Current Situation
Heavy rains have been experienced in the country over the last few days. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, May marks the peak of the long rains season. During the month, several parts of the western highlands, central Rift Valley, Northwestern Kenya, central highlands including Nairobi and northern Kenya (Marsabit, Moyale) are likely to experience near-normal rainfall with a tendency to above-normal (enhanced rainfall). The entire Coastal strip is expected to experience above-normal (highly enhanced) rainfall while most parts of Northeastern and Southeastern Kenya are expected to receive near normal rainfall with a tendency to below normal (generally depressed rainfall). The rains are likely to continue through to June especially in the West Kenya region.
Significant amounts of rainfall have been experienced resulting in flash floods in different parts of the country. In the West Kenya region, 1335HHs (6,675 people) have been affected by floods following heavy rains over the last two weeks. Most affected areas include Homabay, Busia, Kakamega (Mumias), Kisumu (Nyando, Nyakach and Muhoroni). With continuing rainfall, more people could be displaced in flood prone areas due to the rapidly rising water levels along the major rivers in the region. Other sectors affected include, education with 5 schools affected (flooded classrooms and submerged latrines) and transport and infrastructure in which a bridge was swept away by heavy rains along the Kisumu – Londiani road paralysing transport along the road.
Increased inflows in the seven folks dams resulted in spillages leading to flooding in the lowland are as of Garissa and Tana River. As at the time of this report, a total of 5689HHs had been displaced by the floods in parts of Garissa (670HHs) and Tana River (5019) counties. Further to this, livelihoods have been affected in terms of families reporting loss of livestock, and damaged / destroyed crops - approximately 1862 acres belonging to 700 farmers were reported to be submerged in a recent assessment in Garissa and Tana River Counties. KRCS teams are currently assessing the hygiene conditions in the counties. Increased cases of diarrhoea, and fever have been observed in the affected villages during the assessments.
In Magarini sub-county, a total of 66 Households were affected in Bura, Bate and Kaya sub-locations after River Sabaki broke its banks. The main Mambrui - Dagamra road was cut off hence affecting the community’s access to food and medical supplies in the nearby market. As of 16th May 2016, the water levels had reduced significantly allowing for partial access by the community to dispensaries and dispensaries and shops respectively. Two landslides were reported on 8th May 2016 in Rwathe and Mukuria areas in Kandara, Murang’a County. 3 families had their houses swept away. A multi-stakeholder meeting was held today at the DC’s office to plan for relief distribution for the affected households.
Huruma Collapsed Building
The Huruma Collapsed Building Operation was closed down on Sunday 7th May 2016 with final figures of 140 injured, 51 dead, 2 missing and 256 household displaced. 6 people are still admitted in hospital. The government provided Kshs 15,000 for burial to each affected family that lost their loved ones.
KRCS actions
Led a KIRA assessment in, Vanga in Kwale and Garissa. We also deployed Red Cross Action Teams to conduct needs assessments in other floods affected areas including Tana River/Delta, Malindi, Trans Nzoia, Budalangi and Merti in Isiolo.
Distributed NFIs and food on behalf of the national and county government and other partners including UNICEF who have supported in provision of WASH items for Turkana and Garissa/Tana River counties; IOM have provided 290NFI kits for the affected population in Turkana, the county governments in Siaya, Trans Nzoia sub county, Garissa/Tana River counties have provided food and Non Food Items which were distributed by KRCS volunteers.
In Huruma, KRCS in partnership with other organizations and GoK continued with search and rescue and tracing services until 9th May 2016. KRCS continued to distribute food and non-food items received from well-wishers including corporate institutions. In total 627 people (326 males and 301 females out of which 78 were below the ages of 15 years) reached through individual and 18 group Psychosocial Support sessions. Through IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, a total of 193 affected households have so far received a one off cash disbursment of Kshs 15,000 for rental support and other household essential needs. These households have so far shifted from the CDF hall and have rented houses in the nearby estates.
On 7th and 9th May 2016, Kenya Red Cross sent out floods warning sms alert messages(579,099 through SAFARICOM and 203,029 through Airtel) in Coast, North Eastern, South Rift and Western parts of the country.
KRCS has also maintained consistent flow of information to ensure the public is informed at each stage of the operation. This has been done through a variety of channels including the official KRCS website and social media platforms and through mass media interviews. The messages focused not only on the operations update but also on sensitization of the public with general flood safety.