The Kenya Red Cross is ramping up volunteer recruitment in Garissa County to improve disaster response amid floods and drought. The organization emphasizes grassroots involvement for efficient interventions and training volunteers in essential skills. Local officials support these efforts as they seek to improve disaster management and resource use in the region.
The Kenya Red Cross is significantly increasing volunteer recruitment in Garissa County to improve disaster response capabilities amidst flooding and drought crises. During an Iftar event, Northeastern Regional Coordinator Hassan Musa emphasized that the lack of local volunteers has hindered effective emergency responses, indicating a proactive move towards grassroots recruitment to enhance intervention efficiency.
The organization aims to train new recruits in vital skills such as first aid, disaster preparedness, and flood response. This initiative also includes providing timely assessments during disasters and ensuring proper food distribution, which is crucial due to the intense drought conditions affecting the area.
Assistant County Commissioner Mohamed Mohamud urged for training programs for local chiefs to enable better disaster management collaboration with volunteers. He encouraged youth participation, suggesting the experience could lead to future employment opportunities in humanitarian organizations.
In a responsive measure, Garissa Branch Coordinator Daud Ahmed announced relief food distribution to 640 households affected by drought, as forecasts indicate insufficient rainfall for the upcoming period. The ongoing dry spell calls for urgent measures to alleviate suffering caused by prolonged drought impacts.
ICRC representative Abdirahman Maalim Abdullahi stated that humanitarian support would be extended along the Kenya-Somalia border to regions often neglected due to security issues. The community has praised the Red Cross for prior interventions during recent floods, highlighting the volunteers’ heroic efforts during emergencies.
Holugho Ward MCA Adow Omar called for the county government’s commitment to humanitarian response, criticizing their lack of tangible aid despite substantial funding. There were further endorsements from various officials commending the Red Cross and ICRC for their ongoing efforts and asking for improved public resource management in disaster situations.
The Kenya Red Cross’s initiative to recruit volunteers in Garissa County signifies an important step towards enhancing disaster response capabilities amidst persistent flooding and drought challenges. By training local volunteers and engaging community leaders, the organization aims to create a structured and efficient method to address humanitarian crises. The collaboration between local officials and humanitarian organizations may greatly improve the effectiveness of disaster response in the region.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
