Marsabit residents urged to prepare early for expected El Niño rains

By Orwa Nyabande

As the Meteorological Department forecasts the onset of El Niño rains from next month, various stakeholders have urged residents to take precautions against possible effects of the heavy rains.

Speaking in Moyale, stakeholders including the national government, the Meteorological Department and the Marsabit County Government urged residents to identify areas that are likely to experience flooding and relocate to safer areas early.

Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande called on non-governmental organisations involved in humanitarian assistance to begin early preparations to respond to the possible effects of the rains.

He also urged residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

The call was echoed by Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gumo, who said the county government was prepared to respond to the effects of the expected rains.

However, Gumo warned that the rains could lead to flooding and other related risks, urging residents to take precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Meteorological Department for Marsabit and Isiolo counties, John Nguyo, said different parts of Marsabit County are expected to receive the rains at different times.

Nguyo said areas in Saku and Moyale are expected to begin receiving the rains between the first and third weeks of October, while the onset is expected to be slightly delayed in North Horr.