The Kenya Red Cross is ramping up volunteer recruitment in Garissa County to improve disaster response amid flooding and drought. Limited local volunteers have hampered effective interventions, prompting a grassroots recruitment strategy to equip individuals with necessary skills for quick action during crises. Local leaders emphasize the need for collaborative training to maximize disaster response capabilities.
The Kenya Red Cross is actively enhancing its disaster response capabilities by recruiting volunteers at the grassroots level in Garissa County. This initiative is aimed at fostering efficiency and ensuring prompt intervention during humanitarian crises. During an Iftar session, Northeastern Regional Coordinator Hassan Musa highlighted that the limited availability of volunteers in Garissa town has hindered emergency responses in the region, necessitating this recruitment.
Musa emphasized the importance of having volunteers on the ground, particularly in areas prone to flooding. He noted the urgent need for rapid rescue operations, especially with anticipated heavy rains leading to floods. The recruitment takes into account past experiences and aims to equip volunteers with essential skills, including first aid, flood response strategies, and disaster preparedness.
Furthermore, this recruitment initiative is expected to facilitate timely assessments during disasters and improve food distribution efforts. Mohamed Mohamud, an Assistant County Commissioner, stressed the necessity of training traditional leaders alongside volunteers to bolster disaster response efforts in the community, calling for their collaboration.
The Garissa Branch Coordinator, Daud Ahmed, has also addressed immediate needs by distributing relief food to 640 households impacted by drought in Lagdera and Balambala sub-counties. With ongoing forecasts indicating below-average rainfall, Ahmed underscored the region’s urgent requirement for disaster intervention in light of the protracted dry conditions.
In addition, Abdirahman Maalim Abdullahi from the ICRC announced plans for humanitarian assistance along the Kenya-Somalia border, targeting regions that are often overlooked due to security issues. This collaboration highlights the essential role of local volunteerism in disaster management and community resilience.
Ebla Hassan, Secretary General of the Garissa Farmers’ Network, praised the swift actions of Kenya Red Cross volunteers during past flooding incidents, recounting the dramatic rescue of a family stranded on their farm. The response of the volunteers has significantly impacted the local community, showcasing their dedication and capability during crises.
Hassan Sheikh Abdi from SUPKEM acknowledged the commendable efforts of both the Kenya Red Cross and ICRC in tackling humanitarian emergencies, recalling past incidences where volunteers rose to the occasion during critical moments. Local officials challenged the Garissa County government to match the grassroots efforts displayed by the Red Cross, emphasizing the need for better resource allocation for disaster response despite receiving substantial funding.
In conclusion, the Kenya Red Cross’s initiative to recruit grassroots volunteers in Garissa County represents a proactive step towards enhancing disaster response effectiveness. By equipping volunteers with essential skills and promoting collaboration with local leadership, this strategy seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of both floods and droughts. The organization’s efforts have been recognized and appreciated across various sectors, indicating a positive community response to humanitarian challenges in the region.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
