Floods in Kenya

Nairobi County government has mapped out 463 places at high risk of flooding ahead of the onset of the El Nino rains predicted to begin in October.

Mukuru, Kibera, Mathare, Njiru, and Ruai are among the 436 hotspots identified to be prone to flooding.

Nairobi County Chief Officer in charge of Disaster Management Bramwel Simiyu said the county government has established a plan to evacuate residents in these areas to prevent the loss of lives and property.

“At the moment, without disclosing so many details, we are working on a budget that will cater for the 200, 000 people who are likely to be affected by the floods,” he added.

Community sensitisation

Simiyu reported that a committee had been formed to assist with logistics, emergency response, and educating residents of high-risk locations about the benefits of relocating.

The committee will help identify alternative temporary shelters for those who will be relocated from their homes.

“As we engage the community sensitizing them why they should move from this location to another, we are sensitive knowing that these are the places they meet their daily needs, therefore they should understand why they are being moved and cooperate,” he added.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has reported that El Nino is expected to occur during the October to December long rains season.