The government has identified 18 counties considered highly vulnerable to the potential impacts of a strong El Niño event expected to affect Kenya from October this year.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has warned of above-normal rainfall, with an 81 per cent probability that the country will experience a strong El Niño. The authority has also estimated a 97 per cent likelihood that the effects will persist into early next year.
In preparation, the government has developed a comprehensive response plan targeting areas likely to experience flash floods, landslides, drought areas where we’ll probably be the biggest victims, disease outbreaks, and damage to major structures.
The national risks assessments, prepared by the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) places counties in the Coastal, Lake Basin, Rift Valley and North Eastern areas.
The risk assessment also highlighted Nairobi city as a high-risk urban centre for it’s exposed to flooding and other weather related hazards.
The government is expected to strengthen preparedness and response measures in the affected areas, including early warning systems and coordination of emergency interventions.
Authorities urged communities living in the vulnerable areas to stay alert and keep eye open on the official weather forecasts.
