NAIROBI (CNS): Catholic leaders in Kenya are appealing for humanitarian support in regions where landslides and floods have displaced thousands, as the country battles increasing cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Church sources said the disasters had left a trail of death and destruction in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya regions, while introducing a new twist in the Covid-19 fight.
At least 4,000 people have been displaced in the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in the Rift Valley in mudslides that have also killed 12 people.
In Nyando, part of Kisumu County, an estimated 1,600 people are trapped in villages by floods, according to the sources.
“The parish centre, a convent and nearby school are now submerged in water following days of heavy rainfall. The parish priest and nuns had to be evacuated, but the people are still trapped in their homes. They are crying for help. With a canoe, we can evacuate them to safer zones,” Father Joachim Omollo, an Apostle of Jesus priest in the Archdiocese of Kisumu, said.
“I think all the attention is on Covid-19, but these people need emergency aid. If we don’t act quickly, waterborne disease will soon strike, adding to the burden when the health systems are on the alert over Covid-19,” he said.
The mudslides swept away a main market, a school, a police post and villages. With their homes and houses destroyed, the displaced families have camped in schools and other places on safer grounds.
The government, the Red Cross and Churches—including the Catholic Church—have moved to provide some relief, including some food and clothes.
County governments are promising to help the displaced people fight Covid-19 by providing water, soap and encouraging social distancing.
Before the landslide, the communities had been observing Church and government Covid-19 guidelines, but concerns have emerged that these measures may be difficult to keep, leaving people exposed to the disease in the new camps.
“We have been discouraging the people from congregating in one place due to the current situation in the country (Covid-19). Many of them have since moved in with relatives,” Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret, said, adding “We are also there, providing relief to the displaced persons.”
The East African nation’s Catholic bishops and clergy have been urging the people to observe the government’s guidelines. By April 25, Kenya confirmed 343 cases of Covid-19 and 14 deaths, but the numbers were increasing daily.
Worldwide, 2,923,783 infections, 203,319 deaths and 837,611 recoveries were reported on April 25.
