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Fears for flooded Kenya refugees Fears for flooded Kenya refugees
(about 1 hour later)
Aid workers are seriously concerned for the health of some 80,000 Somali refugees living in eastern Kenya, which has been hit by catastrophic floods.Aid workers are seriously concerned for the health of some 80,000 Somali refugees living in eastern Kenya, which has been hit by catastrophic floods.
Thousands of latrines have flooded in one camp, leading to fears of the spread of cholera, a UN refugee agency official told the BBC.Thousands of latrines have flooded in one camp, leading to fears of the spread of cholera, a UN refugee agency official told the BBC.
"We are sleeping in the trees... wild animals are attacking the people," said refugee Rashid Abdi Ibrahim."We are sleeping in the trees... wild animals are attacking the people," said refugee Rashid Abdi Ibrahim.
Aid agencies have launched an appeal for some 1.8 million people.Aid agencies have launched an appeal for some 1.8 million people.
Central Somalia, eastern Kenya and south-eastern Ethiopia have all been hit by the floods.Central Somalia, eastern Kenya and south-eastern Ethiopia have all been hit by the floods.
Food distribution had to be abandoned... because flood waters rose again Geoff Wordley, UNHCR 'We are living in trees' Somalia is worst affected, partly because of the lack of infrastructure following 15 years of conflict and the lack of a central government.Food distribution had to be abandoned... because flood waters rose again Geoff Wordley, UNHCR 'We are living in trees' Somalia is worst affected, partly because of the lack of infrastructure following 15 years of conflict and the lack of a central government.
The region was devastated by drought last year, leaving the earth unable to absorb the heavy rains, leading to flash floods.The region was devastated by drought last year, leaving the earth unable to absorb the heavy rains, leading to flash floods.
The UN has said the floods could be the worst in the region for 50 years.The UN has said the floods could be the worst in the region for 50 years.
The rains are expected to continue for another month.The rains are expected to continue for another month.
Hyenas, crocodilesHyenas, crocodiles
Mr Rashid said the aid agencies were not doing enough to help him and the other 80,000 refugees in the camps near Dadaab.Mr Rashid said the aid agencies were not doing enough to help him and the other 80,000 refugees in the camps near Dadaab.
He told the BBC's Network Africa programme that they had been attacked by hyenas and snakes.He told the BBC's Network Africa programme that they had been attacked by hyenas and snakes.
But the UNHCR's Geoff Wordley said the road to the area had been cut off by floodwaters.But the UNHCR's Geoff Wordley said the road to the area had been cut off by floodwaters.
"We cannot get large trucks with assistance in there now," he said."We cannot get large trucks with assistance in there now," he said.
"Food distribution had to be abandoned... because flood waters rose again. Not only that but some food has been destroyed by water.""Food distribution had to be abandoned... because flood waters rose again. Not only that but some food has been destroyed by water."
He said that the UNHCR would help those who wished to be moved to other camps.He said that the UNHCR would help those who wished to be moved to other camps.
Parts of the nearby town of Garissa are also underwater, with houses near the River Tana submerged.Parts of the nearby town of Garissa are also underwater, with houses near the River Tana submerged.
A dam on the Tana, south of Garissa, is close to bursting, the UN said on Friday. The BBC's Bashkas Jugsodaay in the town says people have been fleeing their houses and the lucky ones have now been given some food and shelter.
On Friday, the UN warned that a dam on the Tana, south of Garissa, was close to bursting.
In Somalia, crocodiles killed at least nine people after floodwaters swept them into villages, reports say.In Somalia, crocodiles killed at least nine people after floodwaters swept them into villages, reports say.
At least 80 people in the region have died in the last three weeks.At least 80 people in the region have died in the last three weeks.
The Shabelle and Juba rivers have both flooded their banks, affecting towns and villages in a swathe of territory stretching hundreds of kilometres.The Shabelle and Juba rivers have both flooded their banks, affecting towns and villages in a swathe of territory stretching hundreds of kilometres.
Both of Somalia's rival administrations - the interim government based in Baidoa and the Islamists who control much of the south of the country, including the capital Mogadishu, have also asked for help.Both of Somalia's rival administrations - the interim government based in Baidoa and the Islamists who control much of the south of the country, including the capital Mogadishu, have also asked for help.
Have you been affected? Are you an aid worker? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Have you been affected? Are you an aid worker? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
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