Govt forms El Niño response team

What you need to know:

  • The team will also provide the public with updates and information to minimise negative impact of the anticipated above-normal rains.
  • The statement also named 23 counties as those that will ‘experience direct effects of increased surface water levels due to the El Niño rains.’

The Government has formed a Multi-agency Communications Team to coordinate and disseminate information regarding El Niño rains.

The team will also provide the public with updates and information to minimise negative impact of the anticipated above-normal rains.

A statement from the Interior ministry said the team will be issuing regular updates progressively throughout the El Niño period.

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The statement also named 23 counties as those that will ‘experience direct effects of increased surface water levels due to the El Niño rains.’

The counties are: Nairobi, Narok, Kwale, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Meru, Makueni, Murang'a, Nakuru, Migori, Turkana, Busia, Siaya, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Lamu, and Tana River

In Nairobi, according to the statement, areas likely to be affected by landslides include;
Mathare, Dagoretti, Kibera and River Bank estate.

Areas in Nairobi likely to be affected by Flash Floods according to the statement are: Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Rd South C, Langata Rd (T Mall), Areas near Ngong River Areas near Nairobi River (Mathare), Roysambu, CBD, Donholm, Umoja, Komarock, Lower parts of Thika Road, Landhies Rd and Jogoo Rd

“Storms/strong winds likely to be experienced along Chiromo Rd, Limuru Rd, Karura Forest, Kilimani, Lavington, Karen and Eastlands,” read the statement.

Precautions advised to enhance safety during this period are:

  • Minimize movements by making use of communication technology
  • Acquire alternative sources of electricity/lighting
  • Heed traffic advisories
  • Ensure vehicle in good conditions before start of trip
  • Do not walk or drive in any moving or stagnant water (10 cm deep)
  • Practice good sanitation
  • Sleep under a mosquito net
  • Keep alternative communication facilities in the car, in the house
  • Maintain situational awareness through media, police traffic alerts etc
  • Seek information about condition of roads before travel and
  • Careful travel planning however short the trips may be.

The following Essential Telephone contacts will be available at all times;
EOC Desk-Landline 020 3950395, 1199 (from any mobile service provider)
E plus Dispatch- 0700395395, 0738395395

“Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Emergency response teams will be on standby throughout the period,” said Mr Mwenda Njoka, the spokesperson for the Interior Ministry on behalf of the El Niño Multi-Agency Communications Team.

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