State warns Kenyans in flood prone areas to move to safe grounds

The government has warned Kenyans in flood and mud slide -prone areas to move to safe grounds.

National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) Director Col (Rtd.) Nathan Kigotho has said that heavy rains scientifically known as El Nino have started in some areas like Meru and by end of this week most parts of the country will be experiencing high rainfall as forecasted by the Meteorological Department.

Kigotho has assured Kenyans that unlike in 1997 when El Nino claimed several lives and property, this time the government has put in place measures to avert loss of life and property. He warned Kenyans against sheltering under trees and caves citing a case in Meru where a quarry caved in burying four people alive after a heavy down pour.

The Meteorological Department has already issued early warning that the country will experience El Nino in the period between October and December. The torrential rains will subside in January next year. Kigotho said the latest satellite images indicate that some parts of Mount Kenya region are receiving as high as 100 to 200 mm of rainfall. He said areas to the East of Wajir County and some other parts in the North Eastern region are recording between 70 and 140 mm.

Speaking to KNA on the level of preparedness by the government, Kigotho urged Kenyans living in low lands and around rivers to seek refuge in schools and church compounds. “We have contingency plans to ensure operations run smoothly within the El Nino period and have established an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Nairobi that will establish communication link with County headquarters,” said Kigotho.

He called on county governments to open emergency operation centers to enable NDOC to monitor the situation during the same period.  Kigotho said NDOC is working with mobile service providers to send short text messages sensitizing Kenyans on how to avert, prepare and respond to floods and mud slides.

He called on motorists to be careful especially while crossing flooded bridges as they can easily be swept away.  Kigotho said the government is ready to deal with challenges such as increase in the water borne diseases like cholera, displacement of people which are expected to occur during the heavy rains.

The NDOC Director advised Kenyans to feel free to seek assistance in case of emergency by calling the Toll Free Number of 1199 which is being managed by the Kenya Red Cross in collaboration with NDOC. (KNA)

Those in distress can also call NDOC landline on 0202151053