Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on residents in low land and flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground as heavy rains are expected in the coastal region in the days and weeks ahead.
Governor Achani ordered people living around river banks and flood-prone areas of the coastal county to relocate to higher grounds to avoid flooding until after the rainy season.
The county boss said the devolved government had put necessary measures in place in mitigating the effects of possible flood disasters noting that the move would keep residents of such areas safe ahead of the expected heavy rains in May.
She stated that the devolved unit is making the necessary preparations to effectively mitigate the negative impact of floods in the region.
“As a devolved government in collaboration with the national government and other stakeholders we have begun adequate preparations to avert any possible flooding,” she said.
She added that they have also begun to create awareness about the dangers of flooding and alerted people living along riversides and lowland areas to relocate to safer elevated areas.
The governor said the Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted flooding in some areas of the coastal region during the current long rains season.
She said recently the weatherman forecasted heavy rains with potential flooding expected in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties in the month of May.
“We are glad as a county since we have not yet experienced any floods or people being affected by it as seen in other parts of the country which has claimed the lives of over 170 people countrywide, and 72 who are yet to be located as a result of the floods, however as a county we have to take precautions,” she said.
She says the county has identified areas such as Vanga, Majoreni, Jego and Kiwegu in Lungalunga Sub County as among the worst flood prone areas.
“When it rains in Usambara areas in the neighbouring country of Tanzania, Umba River usually breaks its banks leading to flooding across Lungalunga Sub County and therefore we are calling on the border residents to vacate immediately they notice any signs of floods in order to avoid losses,” she said.
The Governor also said that areas such as Vumbu which borders two dams that were constructed by Kiskol Sugar Company and the mining firm Base Titanium are also likely to experience floods in case of heavy rains and urged the residents to look for shelter in areas like social halls, churches and mosques.
She said with more rain in the forecast, the safety of Kwale residents was of paramount importance and that the county government had taken proactive measures to avert any untoward incident.
The Governor warned residents against blocking drainages with refuse in order to prevent flooding and the loss of lives and properties.
She called on urban residents living close to major gutters and storm drains, culverts and bridges to move away to safeguard lives and properties.
By Hussein Abdullahi
