U.N. agencies respond to flooding in Horn of Africa

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) "reports heavy rains and flooding in parts of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are causing havoc among thousands of displaced Somalis in the region" and "flood-damaged roads are hampering relief efforts to thousands affected by the heavy rains," VOA News reports (Schlein, 11/4). "UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic told a press briefing in Geneva that the agency has distributed 4,500 assistance kits so far, which include plastic sheets, plastic buckets and soap," the U.N. News Centre writes (11/4). "In addition to providing emergency relief for floods, other U.N. agencies continue to increase their efforts to help Somalis who suffer from famine and insecurity," VOA notes (11/4).