The Special Programs Director of Bungoma County and Chairperson of the County Disaster and Emergency Committee Caren Wanyonyi, has issued a warning that Bungoma County is at high risk during the upcoming El Nino rains.
This announcement came following a recent alert from the meteorological department, forecasting the El Nino phenomenon for the period of October to December, with rainfall expected to persist until January 2024.
Addressing ward and sub-county administrators at the county headquarters auditorium, Wanyonyi emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly in the Mt. Elgon areas, as the county prepares for the El Nino rains.
She further said that counties had received guidance from the Kenya Meteorological Department to develop El Nino contingency plans.
“These plans encompass preparedness, early warning systems, and coordinated response and evacuation strategies aimed at mitigating the potential effects of the El Nino phenomenon,” the Director stated.
She highlighted that the region has already experienced incidents related to the El Nino phenomenon, such as heavy winds affecting five wards in Bungoma, including Kimugui, Lwandanyi, Misanga, Namatondoi in Bokoli ward, and parts of Bumula.
Wanyonyi praised the Kenya Red Cross Society for their support in assessing and responding to these incidents.
She urged residents to report El Nino-related scenarios to designated phone numbers, 0799001100 or 0799002200, while emphasizing the importance of the Kenya Red Cross hotline, 1199, for immediate expert assistance.
Additionally, she stressed that residents residing along riparian lands and riverbanks should remain vigilant due to the risk of rivers overflowing and flooding homes.
Wanyonyi also referenced high-risk areas mapped out by meteorological departments and county surveys, particularly in Mt. Elgon, where landslides, lightning, and mudslides are common occurrences.
By Tony Wafula
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