Nairobi City County has started evacuating families living in flood-prone areas as the first El Niño rains are expected to hit the capital in two weeks. The county has mapped out its flood hotspots and put agencies under one command to prepare for the impending rains. This effort is led by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who received progress reports from multi-agency teams preparing the city for the rains.
The meeting, which brought together national government administrators, the National Police Service, Green Nairobi, the Kenya Red Cross, KURA, KeNHA, and the Nairobi boroughs, established a single command structure for the agencies involved. This unified approach aims to enhance coordination and response to flood-related emergencies. The county has identified 227 flood hotspots across Nairobi's 17 sub-counties.
To effectively manage the flood response, the county has set up five sub-committees covering drainage, evacuation, shelter and relief, security and traffic, and communication. These sub-committees will work together to mitigate the impact of the floods and provide support to affected residents. The governor confirmed that evacuations of residents in high-risk areas along the Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi rivers will continue.
According to the Deputy President, about 100,000 people in Nairobi are likely to be affected by the floods, with Mukuru, Mathare, Kibra, and Embakasi among the most vulnerable areas. The county's efforts to evacuate families from these high-risk areas aim to reduce the potential loss of life and property. Residents are being relocated to safer areas with access to essential services.
The county government's proactive approach to addressing the flood risk has been commended by various stakeholders. The collaboration between national government administrators, security agencies, and humanitarian organizations is expected to enhance the city's resilience to flood-related disasters. Nairobi residents are advised to stay informed about the flood situation and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
As the El Niño rains approach, Nairobi City County is intensifying its preparedness efforts to minimize the impact of the floods. The county's flood response plan includes providing emergency shelter, food, and medical assistance to affected residents. Residents are urged to take precautions and report any flood-related concerns to the authorities.
The evacuation of families from flood-prone areas is part of a broader strategy to reduce the risk of flood-related disasters in Nairobi. The county government's efforts to enhance drainage systems, improve emergency response, and promote flood-risk awareness among residents are ongoing. By working together, stakeholders aim to mitigate the impact of the floods and ensure the safety of Nairobi residents.
Key points
- Nairobi City County has identified 227 flood hotspots across the city's 17 sub-counties and set up five sub-committees to manage the flood response.
