India Sends Flood Relief to Devastated Kenya

May 14, 2024

In response to the catastrophic floods affecting Kenya, the Government of India has dispatched its second tranche of humanitarian assistance, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 14, 2024. This aid includes essential supplies to aid flood victims which have impacted 38 of the country’s 47 counties, causing 267 deaths, injuring 188, and displacing over 280,000 people.

Airlift of Relief Supplies

An Indian Air Force aircraft from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad airlifted 22 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Kenya. This includes tents, sleeping bags, blankets, power generators, and food, along with hygiene and sanitary products.

Additionally, 18 tonnes of medical supplies featuring life-saving drugs, surgical equipment, and other critical care necessities were part of this consignment. Essential supplies for infants and materials for water purification and disease prevention were also dispatched to mitigate the ongoing crisis.

Naval Assistance

Prior to this, on May 10, the Indian Naval ship INS Sumedha arrived in Mombasa, Kenya with initial relief supplies. The shipment included two medical and one disaster relief palette, underlining the concerted effort by India to provide timely aid.

Emphasis on India-Kenya Relations

The relief efforts are focussed on the solid friendship and cooperation between India and Kenya. According to MEA, this initiative reflects the principles of South-South cooperation and aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy priority to strengthen relations with African nations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that this aid represents India’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with Kenya.

Background: Kenya Flood Catastrophe

Kenya has been battling severe floods since March 2024, worsened by torrential rains across the region. These weather conditions have caused massive damage, resulting in significant loss of life and the displacement of thousands, while also affecting close to 2,000 schools and various infrastructure. The situation remains grim as Cyclone Hidaya is expected to exacerbate the impact in the coming days, posing additional challenges for relief efforts.

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