Kenyans Residing in Flood Prone Areas Directed to Vacate in 48 Hours-Gov’t
April 30, 2024
By Samuel Ouma
Kenya Red Cross officers Rescuing People Marooned by floods in Nairobi
The Kenyan government has instructed residents residing in flood-prone regions to evacuate within 48 hours or face compulsory evacuation.
The decision was reached on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, during a Special Cabinet session to discuss further actions necessary to alleviate the impact of the current heavy rainfall on the safety, assets, and livelihoods of the general public.
Areas deemed hazardous include regions adjacent to dams and other water storage facilities on both public and private land, locations susceptible to mudslides and landslides, and riparian zones along rivers and waterways.
According to the Cabinet, relevant government agencies have completed mapping out fragile areas, and individuals affected by this directive will receive notifications by the close of tomorrow, May 1, 2024.
“The Cabinet received and considered a weather forecast report from the Meteorological Department, indicating that the ongoing rains will persist in intensity and duration, and warning that the situation could get dire because the soils around the country are fully saturated,” read a statement issued by the State House in part.
Measures have been taken to support the evacuation and temporary shelter of the affected persons in the event that they require assistance.
“The Government has identified public spaces in various parts of the country where those affected will be given temporary shelter together with the provision of essential food and non-food supplies,” the statement stated further.
The exercise will be enforced by security agencies with the support of the National Youth Service.
Meanwhile, the National Government Administration officers (NGAO) have been instructed to collaborate with county governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that the procedures for notification, evacuation, and shelter provision are executed promptly, compassionately, and efficiently.
The directive comes a day after more than 40 people lost their lives after they were swept away by floods in Mai Mahiu, northwest of Nairobi.
