Stakeholders at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKOGarissa County has stepped up preparations for the expected El Nino rains, with authorities warning residents and pastoralists to take early measures against flooding, disease outbreaks and loss of lives and livestock.
The county is preparing advisories to be shared through local radio stations, public barazas and community networks.
Garissa County Director of Disaster Management Mohammed Dubow said the rains could have far-reaching consequences if communities were not adequately prepared.
“El Nino comes with a lot of effects, including deaths, displacement and outbreaks of diseases. That is why we must ensure that our communities are adequately prepared before the rains begin,” Dubow said.
Authorities are particularly concerned about residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas, where heavy rains could trigger flash floods and displacement.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has placed emergency response teams on standby, with water rescue personnel and boats ready for deployment.
North Eastern Kenya Red Cross regional head Abdia Adan said rescue teams were already on the ground to respond to emergencies.
“Our rescue teams are already on the ground to attend to any eventuality, including people drowning. Internally, we are prepared and we have boats on standby that will be used in case people get marooned,” Adan said.
Veterinary authorities have also raised concerns over livestock diseases linked to the anticipated rains, including Rift Valley fever, foot-and-mouth disease and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP).
Garissa County Director of Veterinary Services Haret Hambe said veterinary officers would work with communities to provide timely information and promote vaccination.
“We will, through our veterinary officers, pass information to pastoralists through local FM radio stations as well as public barazas on the things they are supposed to do during these El Niño rains,” Hambe said.
Dadaab resident Noor Barre welcomed the preparations, saying residents were better prepared than during previous heavy rains.
“We are happy with the preparations by both the national and county governments,” Barre said.
Governor Nathif Jama has established a multi-agency committee to coordinate preparedness measures, including responses to possible flash floods and flooding along the Tana River.
Garissa is among counties forecast to receive above-average rainfall from the first week of October.
Dadaab, Fafi, Hulugho, Ijara, Liboi, Bura East and Garissa Township have been identified as areas that could experience significant impacts.
Garissa County Director of Disaster Management Mohammed
Dubow speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
North Eastern Kenya Red Cross regional head Abdia Adan speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa County Director of Veterinary Services Haret Hambe speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Noor Barre, a Dadaab resident, speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
