- Orinde advised those operating in mine sites to be extra careful as land and mudslides are likely to happen.
- The administrator stated that even though the Hidaya cyclone was declared to have lost strength, its effects remain destructive.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
Kwale county commissioner Stephen Orinde has urged residents to remain vigilant over heavy rains and strong winds.
He said that although Kwale has not yet received much rain, it is prudent to monitor water levels and evacuate if conditions worsen.
Orinde advised those operating in mine sites to be extra careful as land and mudslides are likely to happen. "We want our people to be careful, the weather experts have warned of unusual wind and heavy rains," he said.
The administrator stated that even though the Hidaya cyclone was declared to have lost strength, its effects remain destructive.
Cyclone Hidaya had been projected to make landfall in Tanzania and Kenya but weakened after hitting Mafia Island southeast of Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
Orinde stated that people are not yet out of the woods because the Meteorological Department predicts continued heavy rains, strong winds and ocean currents.
He said the government is committed to protecting its citizens and urged those who have been issued directives to evacuate flood-prone areas to do so.
Kwale is among the counties put on high alert, especially in areas around the Mkurumuzi dam in Msambweni.
Previously, the region experienced floods in the Lunga Lunga subcounty, with Vanga being the most affected area.
Last year, floods caused at least four deaths and left hundreds of locals homeless in the region.
Umba, Mkurumudzi, Mwena and Mbadi are some of the rivers that frequently break their banks.
Orinde said the national government has put mitigation measures in place but urged Kenyans to take a personal responsibility for staying safe.
The county commissioner advised residents living near rivers and lowlands to relocate to higher grounds to avoid disaster.
The county security and disaster management committees are on high alert, monitoring all areas and prepared to respond.
On Monday, Mining CS Salim Mvurya stated that the national government had increased efforts to rescue and provide humanitarian aid to flood-affected victims across the country.
Mvurya warned residents not to put their lives at risk and to follow government evacuation orders.
"There is no need to stay in flood-prone areas or attempt to cross a flooded river. That is suicide," he said.
Mvurya also urged Kenyans to embrace tree planting and conservation to combat climate change.
He said that the unusual and erratic rains are caused by global warming and indicate that more must be done to protect the environment.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani urged residents living in flood-prone areas, such as along riverbanks, to relocate to safer areas, as heavy rains are expected to hit the Coast.
The governor, through the county director of communication, Nicky Gitonga, stated that Kwale is making proper arrangements to deal with the effects of floods that have occurred in various parts of the country.
"We are relieved as a county because we have not yet experienced any floods or people being affected, as has occurred in other parts of the country, which has claimed lives. However, we must take precautions," she said.
Areas such as Vanga, Majoreni, Jego and Kiwegu in Lunga Lunga subcounty have been identified by the county government of Kwale as among the flood-prone.