The Kenya Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya, the County Government of Busia, and Khetias supermarket, have donated food items to 70 households that were affected by floods. KRCS Western Region Coordinator Hellen Cheruto said that the victims have suffered the effects of floods in Bunyala West since December 2019. ‘Today we are here to support them with food packages, and we have distributed packages to 36 households in the Siginga location,’ she said, adding that 34 more households from Sango Camp will also benefit. Cheruto added that the organisation has been working closely with the local administration, Kenya Red Cross volunteers, and Community Health Promoters to sensitise the community on El Nino rains and sound early warnings with a view to reducing the potential effects of the heavy rains that are likely to occur during the period. Busia County CEC Member for Public Service Management Pamela Awori said that the county has made necessary arrangements through the Disaster Management Committee to cushion the locals from the negative effects of El Nino. Bunyala DCC Dr. Paul Papa thanked the Red Cross for supporting the flood victims. Dr. Papa expressed confidence that the Sub County leadership is prepared for the expected El Nino rains through a number of trainings conducted by various stakeholders. ‘The government of Busia has also been supportive, and we are together in this,’ he said, adding that the media has also played an important role in sensitising the locals. He urged other well-wishers to join hands in supporting the flood victims, urging the local residents to heed advice from the leaders and move to higher ground in case floods strike. Beneficiaries of the food items thanked the partners for the initiative and urged the government to repair sections of the dyke so that they are not affected. The foodstuffs were distributed by journalists based in Busia who had earlier been trained on first aid operations to assist flood victims.

Source: Kenya News Agency