wfn.org | ENS - Heavy rains cause destruction in Kenya

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ACNS 3824     |     AFRICA     |     7 MAY 2004

Heavy rains cause destruction in Kenya

By Justus Waimiri in Nairobi

Scores of people have been killed and thousands made homeless in Kenya
over the last week after heavier than usual seasonal rains devastated
much of the country.

The western half of Kenya has been most affected, with police reports
putting the death toll at 23 - most of whom were killed by drowning.
Some 6,000 people have also been displaced in Budalang'i area, part of
Nambale Diocese. The Anglican Church of Kenya in Nambale is assisting
and more than 1,000 families have been put up in temporary shelters in
three different camps.

The Diocesan Accountant, Mr Joel Rajula, said the River Nzoia had burst
its banks earlier in the week causing massive flooding in the area,
adding that residents had moved to higher ground though many of them had
lost property and livestock.

The diocese is receiving relief support from the Anglican Church of
Kenya's provincial office, the National Christian Council of Kenya and
the Red Cross, among other well wishers. He said, however, that the
relief was not enough and appealed for more food and medical supplies to
assist affected families.

Schools have closed in the diocese because of flooding in classrooms and
school compounds. Elsewhere, commuters and motorists in various parts of
the country have been stranded after the torrential rains washed away
bridges and roads.

However, the meteorological department has offered some good news by
announcing that the heavy rains will subside in a week or so. Support
may be channelled through the Anglican Church of Kenya.

For more information:

http://www.ackenya.org/

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