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FLOODING in Kenya has damaged farmlands, homes and schools, but the worst is yet to come – warns children’s charity Plan International.
The heavy rains that have inundated districts throughout Kenya since March show no sign of stopping, and could last until the end of May.
The effects of the flood are being felt across the country.
So far more than 1,300 families have been forced to leave their homes in search of temporary shelter on higher ground – and this number is expected to rise.
With severe damage to crops, homes and infrastructure, many people are struggling to survive.
“Farmers in the cropping areas have lost all their crops and small animals which are their livelihood. For the few livestock that were not washed away by floods, there are no grazing areas as all fields are covered in water,” says Gezahegn Kebede, Plan International’s Regional Director based in Kenya.
The charity is distributing food to 1,000 households affected by the floods.
“Food security in the area will be threatened as families might not harvest anything since the crops were destroyed. Likelihood of disease outbreaks is high as latrines have been washed away, contaminating water sources,” warns Mr Kebede.
Children have been hit hard too. Many schools are now inaccessible and children have lost books and school materials in the flood.
“With children not able to attend school, they are losing out and this can affect their performance as they will not be able to complete the syllabus,” warns Mr Kebede.
The children’s charity is raising funds to deliver school supplies to 2,000 children in flood affected districts.
“We want to minimize the impact the floods will have on children’s futures,” says Mr Kebede.
For more information on Plan’s work visit www.plan-uk.org
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