In any country, disaster preparedness is one of the cardinal plans the government needs to put in place to minimise the impact of catastrophes.
Though it is vital to have mechanisms for urgent fixes to manage unexpected tragedies, it is worth exploring strategies while planning better responses to disasters, especially floods which are increasingly becoming a perennial problem.
Kenyans have lost lives in floods and property worth millions of shillings swept away.
To save lives and property going forward, proper preparedness is vital. The government and citizens should always bear in mind that preparedness is not only about information, it is also about proper ways to respond to the disaster timely.
Compounding problems
People should always take into consideration suitable locations to live, especially when building their homes. The adage goes: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Building structures in low-lying terrains is only compounding problems in areas prone to floods.
Since last month, we have all witnessed the suffering of families that have been affected by the ongoing country-wide downpour. The citizens should seriously heed the advice given by planners and the metrological department.
Flooding has been a perennial problem in this country and the tragedies witnessed these past days should be the last wake-up call. Floods have consistently proved disastrous yet we are always caught off-guard because we have failed to learn from our past mistakes.
On our TV screens, we have seen people in Nairobi and Kano plains forced to relocate due to flood waters amid these trying moments of economic instability.
The troubled experience is more the same to families living in low-lying terrains like Budalang’i in Busia and Narok.
But it is unwise to limit the effects of floods to the displacement of people from their homes. Floods have destroyed crops and this will ultimately lead to food shortage.
Unfortunately, counties are yet to spend Sh973 million budgeted for emergency services in the 2023/2024 financial year.
This comes even as raging floods continue to cause more havoc across the country.
Data from the Office of the Controller of Budget indicates county governments cumulatively set aside Sh1.9 billion to their emergency funds in the 2023/2024 financial year. yet their responses to flooding have been wanting
Serious gaps
However, the current floods have exposed serious gaps in both preparedness and disaster mitigation by both national and county governments. The variation in climate pattern is here to stay and people must brace for more rains going forward.
And the reality about disasters – natural or man-made – is that the poor bear the brunt more. Effective management of disasters is therefore needed not only for preserving lives, but equally for addressing factors that could worsen poverty and inequality.
Mitigation efforts not only reduce the damage from disasters but can make recovery easier and less costly. The fact remains that it is almost impossible to prevent floods in the country. However, focus on recovery and mitigation measures can certainly help reduce the impact on our lives and property.
The writer is National Organising Secretary of Ford Kenya
