Nandi County has activated its disaster response machinery, mapped high-risk areas and identified evacuation centres as the county braces for heavy El Niño rains expected to trigger floods, landslides and other emergencies.

The warning comes as the county intensifies preparations following Governor Stephen Sang’s recent concerns over the possible impact of the rains on infrastructure and residents living in vulnerable areas.

Sang warned that the September-December rains could have a major impact on roads and other infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to mudslides and landslides.

He urged residents and county departments to prepare early, noting that the county must work with the National Government and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the rains.

The Governor’s warning comes amid a wider national preparedness campaign, with the government requiring counties to map flood-prone areas, identify safer evacuation grounds and put measures in place to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

Nandi County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo separately said the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) across the county were working closely with the County Government to ensure the effects of the rains were effectively managed.

Kilonzo said chiefs, assistant chiefs and other administrators had been instructed to remain alert and respond promptly to emergencies arising from the rains.

Residents were further advised to avoid using electronic gadgets during thunderstorms and to seek safe shelter until the storm subsides.

County Disaster Management Director Lorraine Cherono said the county had completed disaster risk mapping and identified areas likely to bear the brunt of the anticipated deluge, including parts of Tinderet, Nandi Hills and Aldai.

Cherono said Tinderet was particularly vulnerable to landslides, soil erosion and rockfalls because of its terrain, while parts of Nandi Hills and Chebugundi in Aldai were also considered high-risk areas.

“We have done disaster risk mapping and identified areas that could face emergency situations,” Cherono said, adding that the county had activated its Disaster Management Committee to coordinate preparedness and response.

She said the county had also identified evacuation centres in every sub-county where people affected by floods, landslides or other disasters could receive food, non-food items and health support.

The county, she added, was working closely with the Kenya Red Cross, whose volunteers are deployed across the county down to ward level, to ensure emergency assistance reaches affected residents quickly.

“Our officers are on high alert and ready to work 24/7 for any report we receive from the public,” Cherono said.

She said emergency response equipment, including fire engines, rapid intervention vehicles and ambulances, had been serviced and kept ready for deployment.

The county has also updated contacts for chiefs and local administrators to strengthen communication between the Emergency Operations Centre and communities during emergencies.

Cherono warned that the heavy rains could also trigger public health and livestock challenges, including waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, malaria and animal diseases associated with increased interaction between wildlife and domestic animals.

She urged residents living in landslide-prone areas to consider relocating temporarily to safer ground, while cautioning motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded rivers or using unsafe makeshift bridges.

“Nandi has many rivers. If a river has flooded, look for an alternative route. If there is a makeshift bridge that you clearly see cannot be used, let us avoid it. Life is precious, and we cannot risk our lives,” she said.

Cherono said the public could report emergencies through the county’s toll-free number 1548 or the Disaster Management number 011 45 729 29.

The preparedness measures come as national authorities step up coordination ahead of the anticipated heavy rains, with the Government emphasising early action, accurate public information and coordinated response among national and county agencies.

By Geoffrey Satia