Flood Response
SWAP is an active member of the Western Kenya Humanitarian Hub and the Kisumu County Disaster Committee, which unite humanitarian aid organizations and coordinate response during disease outbreaks and floods. From March to May 2024, we experienced severe flooding episodes in the majority of the country. At least 235 people died and more than 260,000 were displaced. Infrastructure was damaged, businesses were disrupted and significant revenue losses occurred. Furthermore, crops were destroyed and livestock perished. It posed serious health risks due to water contamination and contributed to psychological distress. The stagnant water became breeding site for mosquitoes which further increased the prevalence of malaria.
The area of SWAP’s operation experienced severe back flow from Lake Victoria. In December 2024, following erratic heavy rains, river Nyando burst its banks and the SWAP model Centre in Ahero and the surrounding villages were submerged by water.
Ombaka, in Nyando Sub County, has a designated evacuation camp located within the compound of Ombaka Primary School. During school closure, the classrooms serve as a temporary shelter for families affected by flood, while others use temporary shelters or integrate with host families. SWAP has always been one of the first responders during floods in the region. SWAP distributed food and WASH supplies to families affected to prevent disease outbreaks. We facilitated medical outreach and vaccination for families in the camps. Furthermore, we organized a training for the local disaster committee in Ombaka on climate resilience, to strengthen their capacity and ability to prepare for, to respond to, and to withstand the effects of climate change.
See the link below for some of SWAP’s success stories in various parts of the country.
In 2024, families displaced by flood received various services and supplies in Nyando and Kadibo Sub County, and in Dunga. The areas supported were:
- Ombaka evacuation camp, Ombaka Primary and Special School and Dispensary
- Ogenya evacuation camps
- At the SWAP Model Centre in Ahero we provided support for 50 affected families
- Nanga Primary School in Dunga which hosted displaced families
- Dunga Compassionate Centre for Families – a crisis centre in Dunga providing temporary shelter
- Chiela Women Group – a group of fishmongers in Dunga
- Kadibo Sub County – an assessment was done and report shared with the Kisumu County Disaster Committee for action.
Medical outreach for treatment and Human Papilloma Virus and Malaria vaccination was done with support from Bunde Dispensary at Ombaka Dispensary.
Funding for flood response came from various sources. Several friends of SWAP provided cash donations and clothes after appeals for support were done on social media. Harber Charitable Foundation gave a one-time donation, along with contributions from private well-wishers through the SWAP foundation in the Netherlands. We were privileged to be supported during the Eid al Fitr Celebrations by the Aga Khan Foundation and Ismaili community, who invited SWAP for a presentation and donated funds and assorted items. An appeal for funds was also done through Donor See to mitigate the impact and prevent disease outbreaks during that period.
