Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 30th April. UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday reiterated the UN commitment to Kenya in the aftermath of deadly floods caused by heavy rains that continue to affect the region.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that Mr. Guterres was saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by flash flooding in Nairobi, and other parts of the country.
He extended his condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Kenya.
According to international media reports on Monday, rescue teams searched for survivors after a dam burst in Mai Mahiu in western Kenya killed 35 people.
The heavy rains began in March, killed over 100 people across the country since then. This season’s flash flooding follows heavy rains that began late last year, affected 600,000 people.
UN Resident Representative in Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson expressed solidarity with the people and Government during an event to distribute emergency aid to flood survivors, which was led by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua.
UNHCR provided aid to over 300 households that included food, mattresses, blankets, water tanks, mosquito nets and equipment to help them rebuild.
“Together, we are taking steps to meet urgent needs. What worries me is how Kenya is currently facing a climate emergency that it did not cause; drought and floods,” said Dr. Jackson.
UN team on the ground has been working closely with national and international partners since the flooding to help support 25,000 people with food and non-food items directly.
UNHCR in Kenya said the heavy rains are causing serious flooding and displacement at the Dadaab refugee camps, located in the north.
UNHCR Representative to Kenya Caroline Van Buren wrote on the social media platform X “Many refugees have been forced from their homes, seeking shelter in schools and on higher ground.”
The agency is coordinating with local government authorities to move people to safety.
