DECLARATION OF DISASTER FOR KENYA FLOODS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 005076 SIPDIS AIDAC SECSTATE FOR AF/C AID FOR DCHA MHESS, WGARVELINK, LROGERS. DCHA/OFDA FOR KLUU, GGOTTLIEB, AFERRARA, ACONVERY, CGOTTSCHALK, KCHANNELL, ATRACY AFR/EA FOR JBORNS USUN FOR EMALY BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER ROME FOR FODAG NAIROBI FOR OFDA JMYER; REDSO/FFP NESTES GENEVA FOR NKYLOH SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PREL SO KE SUBJECT: DECLARATION OF DISASTER FOR KENYA FLOODS ¶1. Summary: The October to December 2006 rains have been exceptionally heavy throughout Kenya resulting in serious flooding in the Coast, Western and Northeastern Provinces directly affecting approximately 300,000 persons and with 23 recorded deaths so far as reported by Kenya Red Cross (KRC) and various media sources. The rains have caused destruction of infrastructure, with bridges and roads washed away, cutting off access of vulnerable communities to traders and relief supplies. Crops in farmlands have been destroyed, with fear of renewed food insecurity looming in affected districts. In response to the flood crisis, Ambassador Ranneberger declares a disaster due to the catastrophic flooding in affected regions of the country and requests disaster assistance. End Summary. El Nino Wrecking Havoc in East Africa ¶2. In Northeastern Kenya, heavy rains caused flooding in Mandera, Moyale, Marsabit Districts and in Garissa District where about 24,000 resident Kenyans and approximately 100,000 Somalis residing in the Dadaab Refugee camps have been directly affected. The Tana River broke its banks when the Kiambere and Kamburu dams released waters, causing extensive flooding throughout Tana River and Garissa Districts. The main roads from Garissa north to Mandera and Dadaab are impassable. The majority of the districts in Northeastern Province currently affected by the floods are only just recovering from the effects of the prolonged drought, thus further stressing communities with repeated shocks. ¶3. Severe flooding has been reported in Kwale District in Coast Province where five bridges and most roads have been destroyed. The main road from Mombassa to Kwale is currently cut off, impeding the flow of relief food and supplies. Kilifi and Mombassa Districts in Coast Province are also impacted by the floods where 16 people died due to drowning and mudslides. According to the KRC, about 60,000 people in this region have been affected. ¶4. Western Kenya has also been hit hard; people in �00A;Budalangi and Bunyala Divisions in Busia District are moving to higher ground due to flooding that is destroying crops about to be harvested. In Kisumu District in Nyanza Province, the KRC is also reporting extensive flooding in some lowland divisions. Central Province has not been spared as people are being displaced in Thika and surrounding locations due to flooding conditions. Impact of Floods on Health ¶5. Diarrhea cases have risen dramatically in all regions affected by floods. A few cholera cases have been reported by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Moyale, Mombassa and Kwale where water sources have been contaminated, latrines collapsed and water systems destroyed. Other water-borne diseases, such as typhoid and amoeba, are expected to increase in coming days. There is also concern that malaria will increase due to standing water. Responses to Date ¶6. The Kenya Red Cross is responsible for Rapid Response Emergency Coordination in support of the Government of Kenya Office of the President, Minister for Special Programs. UN agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) are also providing relief NAIROBI 00005076 002 OF 002 assistance as well as Kenya military. WFP is coordinating the airlift of food and supplies to affected areas, KRC, UNICEF and NGOs are providing non- food items such as blankets, mosquito nets, water containers, water purification supplies, and drugs as well as supplemental food items to flood victims. The Kenya Army is building and repairing bridges and roads in the worst affected districts. ¶7. The USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) currently has emergency drought assistance programs ongoing with six NGOs and UNICEF in the Northeastern and Coast Provinces targeting health, water and sanitation. OFDA partners have the flexibility to divert current OFDA resources to respond to emerging flood conditions and OFDA is processing one such request. USAID Kenya and OFDA Regional Advisors are maintaining communications with partners, GOK ministries and UN agencies. Disaster Declaration ¶8. As Ambassador, I hereby declare that an emergency situation exists in Kenya due to flooding, and that it is in the interest of the U.S. Government to respond to the crisis. The emergency is beyond the capability of the GOK to respond and it will accept USG assistance. The Kenya Red Cross has a country-wide network and is leading the emergency response in coordination with other implementing agencies and has been designated to receive 100,000 USD from USAID/OFDA to facilitate emergency relief assistance to Kenya flood victims, in response to its public appeal for assistance. RANNEBERGER