- DCC Rotich also assured of National government's commitment to ensure matters related to El Nino rains are well handled.
- Rotich further called on the two levels of government to work together to mitigate the effects of the rains.
Image: GEORGE OWITI
Five people have drowned in Machakos county in incidents related to flash floods since October.
A KCSE exam candidate drowned in Matungulu on November 24 when he slipped and fell into a dam while taking a selfie with fellow classmates after writing his last paper, while a 14-year-old boy was swept away by raging waters as he crossed a flooded river in Kinanie, Athi River on November 3.
Two minors drowned while swimming in a private dam in Vota, Machakos while a Kenya Primary School Education Assessment candidate drowned while swimming in a dam in Masinga on October 31.
Several cases of collapsed buildings due to the heavy rains were reported in Kivaa, Kyamwilu, Muumandu, Muvuti and Kithendu areas. However, there were no injuries.
The revelations were made during the County Disaster Management Committee meeting held at the White House, led by the County Secretary Dr Muya Ndambuki and co–chaired by the Machakos Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich.
A multi-agency team that consists of officers from the National government, County government, Kenya Red Cross, and other relevant agencies, will spearhead and coordinate efforts to mitigate the impacts of the El Nino rains in the county.
“The team will monitor and assess the El Nino rains and put in place a contingency plan to reduce the impacts caused by the heavy rains,” Ndambuki said.
The county secretary said the team will also ensure members of the public are sensitised through timely dissemination of information on impending El Nino occurrences, potential risks, and the recommended safety measures.
“We will ensure the flow of information is centralised so that we can speak in one voice and not on cross purposes, to help in keeping the public alert and mitigate the floods,” he said.
Ndambuki said no major incidents have been reported in Machakos but reiterated the county’s preparedness in responding to any disasters caused by the rains.
“As a county, we are on high alert and the emergency response team is ready and prepared to tackle any eventualities. We have also identified evacuation centres for those who might be displaced by the rains,” Ndambuki said.
DCC Rotich also assured of National government's commitment to ensure matters related to El Nino rains are well handled.
Rotich further called on the two levels of government to work together to mitigate the effects of the rains.
The team has identified 19 hotspot areas in the county prone to El Nino-related disasters.
They include Mavoko along the River Athi basin, Kasuitu village, Kanaani, Kicheko and Kilili slums, Jam city, Kinanie and Kwa Mang’eli all in Athi River subcounty.
Others are Mutituni near Inyooni river, Muvuti along Ikiwe river, Miwani/Manza and Miwongoni river basins in Machakos subcounty.
Also in the list of hotspot areas is Masinga dam and its environs in Masinga subcounty, Katine, Kituluni, Donyo Sabuk, Kantafu, Malaa, Kamulu and Joska in Matungulu subcounty.
Others are river Thwake basin, Kathaana and Syanthi quarries.