Flood survivors living in camps since 2019 as donors seek lasting solutions
National
By
Mercy Kahenda
| Aug 07, 2024
Partners and communities responding to disaster hard-hit parts of Budalangi are working on lasting solutions to climate shocks.
In a joint monitoring of Elnino in March and April emergency flood response project led by the British High Commission, partners including UNICEF, World Vision and ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/health-science/article/2001472873/inside-the-humanitarian-crisis-facing-flood-victims#google_vignette">Kenya Red Cross Society< pledged to work on long-term solutions to avert disasters associated with climate change that continue being witnessed in the country.
British High Commission representative Caroline Njihia said at least 14 counties in Kenya were affected by Elnino floods.
The commission has been supporting flood and rain victims with wash programs, nutrition, food, and sanitation items.
"We are monitoring the progress of floods and see work done, and build solidarity to affected communities. In terms of building resilience, we are aware of the effects of climate change that we wish to continue collaborating going forward," said Njihia.
She added, "We are interested in building resilience to have the ability of the community to deal with climate shocks. We are expecting Elnina, we are thinking of a bigger resilience program and take into contribution that the community must build resilience mechanisms. "
Busia Deputy Governor Authur Odera raised the need to have a multi-sectoral approach to pull energy and synergies efforts to develop solutions to climate change shocks.
="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/rift-valley/article/2001494886/tears-as-13-mai-mahiu-flood-tragedy-victims-are-buried-37-still-missing">Odera regretted that< a bigger percentage of budgetary allocation is spent in disaster responses.
"The highest budget is spent on responding. Is it that we think that the problem is too big to solve behind ourselves?" posed the Deputy Governor.
"For me, it is worth asking on whether a response is a solution. I am saying this with climate change in mind. There is a lot of data saying we are facing a lot of threats. If we put more effort into response, we shall respond ourselves to deaths, " he observed.
British High Commission representative Caroline Njihia said at least 14 counties in Kenya were affected by Elnino floods.
The commission has been supporting flood and rains victims with wash programs, nutrition, food, and sanitation items.
"We are monitoring the progress of floods and see work done, and build solidarity to affected communities. In terms of building resilience, we are aware of the effects of climate change that we wish to continue collaborating going forward," said Njihia.
She added, "We are interested in building resilience to have the ability of the community to deal with climate shocks. We are expecting Elnina, we are thinking of a bigger resilience program and take into contribution that the community must build resilience mechanism. "
Rose Njagi, emergency response UNICEF Kenya, in her part, floods has greatly affected mothers and children.
She said UNICEF will continue engaging with county governments to find ways to implement long-term solutions for climate change.
"Floods and disease outbreaks continue. We do not need to remain in response moods. We shall strengthen the linkage between development and humanitarian," said Njahi.
UNICEF is funding health in the community hard hit by the floods.
"We have been responding to floods and rains, and with sectoral support on education, child protection, social protection, sanitation, and hygiene. We are honoured to come to the ground to see the impact of the project," she added.
On his part, Red Cross Society of Kenya, West Kenya ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001494832/state-to-use-sh300m-to-settle-flood-victims">Region Maurice Onyango< said the society is working closely with partners and the county Government of Busia to bridge the gap in having communities "feel better regardless of challenges they face".
At least 8,000 families affected by floods in Busia have been supported with respective humanitarian items.
"The situation is still very dire. We welcome UNICEF and UK to see how to support communities in terms of resilience," he said.
Onyango added that with the current weather focus, there is a need to prepare more on how to manage disasters.
World Vision Director Disaster Management Gerison Mwakazi added that there are long-term and emergency projects ongoing in Busia in support of flood victims.
"We are also focused on climate change intervention and protection of children and emergencies to ensure no addition to the disaster that hit them, or be made more vulnerable," said Mwakazi.
He added, "Looking at the cycle of disaster, we are grateful to have saved lives that we saved and happy for the resources we got and put a smile on the faces of children.
Mwakazi cited, "Looking at the disaster cycle, the work is not yet over. We need to help communities to cope”.