Ministry of Health urges Kenyans to prepare for El Niño rains

By Silvio Nangori

The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to prepare for possible flooding and other emergencies as the country anticipates the El Niño rains.

The Ministry has advised households to inspect their roofs, clear blocked drainage systems and gutters, and remove dangerous tree branches that could fall during heavy rains.

Families have also been encouraged to know their evacuation routes, identify areas at risk of flooding and protect water sources from possible contamination.

The Ministry further called on households to make arrangements for vulnerable people, particularly older persons and people living with disabilities, who may need additional assistance during emergencies.

Residents have been advised to keep their prescribed medicines available, maintain essential equipment, make copies of important documents, prepare appropriate clothing for wet weather and assemble emergency supplies.

The Ministry has also stressed the importance of having safe drinking water, advising households to boil or treat water before consumption.

Other recommended preparations include having a radio and emergency lighting available, charging mobile phones and power banks, protecting important documents in waterproof materials and replenishing first-aid supplies, including oral rehydration salts.

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, households have been advised to sleep under treated mosquito nets.

Families have also been encouraged to establish a communication plan and identify two agreed meeting points in case members become separated during flooding or displacement.

The Ministry has additionally urged households to prepare safe shelter for livestock and ensure schools and workplaces have appropriate measures in place ahead of the rains.

Kenyans have been urged to remain vigilant and follow official health and weather updates as preparations for the anticipated rains continue.