Kenya flood toll surges to 114
2006-12-11 12:24
Nairobi - Massive flooding in Kenya has killed at least 114 people and affected more than 700 000 others for the past six weeks, more than doubling its earlier death toll, says the Kenyan Red Cross.
Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) spokesperson Anthony Mwangi said: "This is the new figure we shall be using from now on", adding that the number was based on its own nationwide survey as well as local media reports. The earlier toll had stood at 51.
The 114 fatalities were from flood-related incidents across the country since unusually heavy seasonal rains began pounding the country in late October.
Last week, the international Red Cross said it was seeking $21.9m to assist in flood relief efforts in Kenya, in addition to $7.9m that had been appealed for by the KRCS.
723 000 people affected
Red Cross secretary-general Abbas Gulled said: "The flood situation remains a grim reality in Kenya", adding that about 723 000 people had been affected in different parts of the country.
He said: "We are currently appealing to the corporate sector and the general public to donate towards alleviating suffering among thousands of Kenyans as a result of these floods."
The new Red Cross figure brought to at least 314 the number of people killed by floods in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, all of which been hit by torrential rains not expected to end until next month.
Damage in the three nations had been exacerbated by the fact that they were still recovering from a scorching drought that had parched soil across vast swathes of land, leaving the earth unable to absorb the rainwater.
Aid agencies said the resultant displacement, cramped living conditions and lack of water and sanitation, meant that between 1.5 and 1.8 million people were at risk from diseases such as cholera, measles and malaria.