Kenya on the Brink: El-Nino Unleashes Havoc, 38 Counties Plunge into ‘Alarm Stage’ Chaos
Nairobi – Counties across the country finds themselves teetering on the edge as El-Nino’s relentless fury wreaks havoc across the nation.
A state of emergency has been declared by the government, plunging 38 out of the country’s 47 counties into the ominous “Alarm Stage” of this ongoing meteorological showdown.
This stage, akin to a storm’s crescendo, unleashes a symphony of challenges – from the dramatic surge of flash floods to the haunting inundation of low-lying plains.
Rivers, once serene, now rebel against their banks, landslides and mudslides carve scars into the landscape, and the collateral damage includes the heartbreaking loss of livestock and the ruthless obliteration of farmland and infrastructure.
Cabinet convened an emergency session on Monday to dissect the gravity of the situation.
El-Nino has claimed seventy-six precious Kenyan lives since the heavy rains began. Latest statistic indicate the displacement of a staggering 35,000 households who have been left homeless in the wake of the natural disaster.
The epicenter of this crisis is in the North Eastern, Eastern, and Coastal regions, where communities are grappling with the aftermath of flash floods. Homes, farmlands, and vital infrastructure bear the scars of a relentless onslaught.
Emergency response teams have toiled tirelessly to deliver relief and support to those facing the adverse effects floods.
Hussein Mohamed, State House Spokesperson urged citizens to remain vigilant, follow safety protocols, and cooperate with authorities during this critical period.
The devastating impact of 2023 El-Nino has been felt across the country and disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies have been undertaken to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the nation’s citizens.
Kenya Defense Forces and all public civilian aircraft have been directed to transport medical supplies, food and non-food items for targeted distribution in affected areas.
The national government has scaled up rapid response to rehabilitate dilapidated road
networks and facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.
Mr. Hussein urged Kenyans to prioritize safety during their travel during this period, as well as at their homes and workplaces.
“All Kenyans should exercise patience and caution while travelling, wait for storm waters to subside before attempting to crossroads, report any instances of flooding,” he said.
An ad hoc Cabinet Committee on Disaster Response has been established to coordinate state response to thousands of flood victims.