In the aftermath of the deluge wreaking havoc upon Kenya, India extends its hand in humanitarian support. The torrential downpours in Kenya have resulted in a grim toll: 267 lives lost, 188 wounded, and over 2,80,000 displaced.
Today, aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, a relief convoy takes flight, laden with 22 tons of humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) provisions. Among the cargo are tents, sleeping apparatus, blankets, power generators, ready-to-consume sustenance, basic sanitary essentials, and hygiene kits, aimed at promptly alleviating the plight of the Kenyan populace.
Additionally, the shipment encompasses 18 tons of medical assistance, encompassing vital life-saving medications and surgical instruments crucial for intensive care and wound treatment.
Included within are provisions for infant nourishment, water purification, menstrual hygiene, insect repellence, along with kits for diagnosing malaria and dengue, antivenom treatments, and a plethora of diagnostic tools, readily deployable on the field, as articulated by the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday.
Having earlier reached Mombasa on May 10th, Indian Naval vessel INS Sumedha delivered immediate relief, comprising one HADR pallet and two medical pallets.
This gesture towards Kenya epitomizes the robust and amicable ties shared between the two nations, embodying the ethos of South-South collaboration and India’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing Africa, as reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India extends heartfelt sympathies to the Republic of Kenya for the devastation wrought by the floods.
In a communication on X, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar remarked, “Embarking on the second tranche of HADR materials, including 40 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and equipment to aid flood victims in Kenya. Standing firm in our historical partnership, a global ally to the world.”
The aid was dispatched via an Indian Air Force craft from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad to Kenya. On May 10th, India delivered food, relief, and medicinal supplies to Kenya, spearheading the response effort in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
“In solidarity with Kenya, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha, acting as the primary responder in the IOR, has furnished food, relief, and medicinal assistance to the Kenyan Government,” stated the Indian High Commission in Kenya on X.
Reports indicate that the relentless rains have unleashed catastrophic floods in Kenya, resulting in the destruction of nearly 2,000 schools, prompting the closure of all remaining educational institutions until further notice.
The longstanding bond between Kenya and India has traversed various domains, encompassing trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations. Both nations have nurtured warm ties, collaborating in fields such as technology, healthcare, and academia.
India stands as a pivotal development ally for Kenya, extending support in infrastructure endeavors, education, and capacity enhancement. Furthermore, cultural interchange between the two nations has bolstered their camaraderie.