Kwale County – The Kwale County Government has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance to support families devastated by significant flooding. This call comes in response to recent catastrophic weather events in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the floods have displaced approximately 680 families and claimed at least five lives, marking this event as one of the worst in the county’s recent history. Kombo emphasized that over 1,400 families have been severely affected, with significant damage to homes and livelihoods. The county, in collaboration with the national government and aid agencies, is mobilizing resources, including food, tents, and medical supplies, to assist those displaced and taking shelter in schools.
Environmental experts attribute the current situation to the El Nino climate event, which has raised global temperatures and intensified extreme weather patterns worldwide. A weeklong rainstorm has resulted in severe flooding in the coastal county, leading to submerged homes, roads, and farmlands. Deputy Governor (DG) Chirema Kombo has called for relief support for flood victims, noting that the floods have resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of hundreds of families. The county is in dire need of shelter, relief food, and hygiene kits to ensure safe and healthy practices during the ongoing El Nino-induced rainfall.
Kombo, speaking at the county headquarters, highlighted the persistent nature of the rains and the county’s readiness to collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance disaster resilience. He made these remarks while receiving donations from Prof. James Njiru, the Director General of the Kenya Maritime and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI). The DG expressed gratitude for the support and stressed the importance of collective efforts to address the challenges faced by the flood victims.
Prof. Njiru of KEMFRI handed over essential items, including blankets, 720 kilos of beans, and 160 bags of maize flour, acknowledging the significant losses suffered by the flood victims. He stated that this donation aligns with KEMFRI’s objective to support vulnerable communities.
Mohammed Mwaenzi, the County Red Cross Coordinator, indicated that the worst-hit areas include Msambweni, Lunga Lunga, and Kinango sub-counties. Many areas remain inaccessible, raising concerns about waterborne diseases and long-term impacts on food security, as large expanses of farmland are still submerged.