The Tharaka Nithi County Government has affirmed its preparedness to mitigate the effects of the impending El Nino rains.
The response mechanisms put in place in partnership with the national government and other key stakeholders will ensure adequate measures are in place to protect residents and the environment from the expected heavy rains.
Speaking after a consultative meeting with the El Nino emergency preparedness committee in his office, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said that the team is ready to respond to the anticipated El Nino rains this month.
He called upon the county road maintenance team, together with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), to repair and maintain roads to ensure accessibility during the El Nino season.
He revealed there was a need to map out alternative routes as trees were bound to fall down on roads, causing blockage during the season.
The governor, however, encouraged residents to plant more trees to help conserve the environment as well as practice conservation agriculture to avoid soil erosion.
He also encouraged farmers to harvest their crops early to avoid being destroyed during the rains.
Njuki noted that the Department of Rescue and Fire will be on standby for emergencies, adding that the committee has banned swimming in rivers and dams during the heavy rains.
“We ask the rescue and fire departments to establish contacts with diving agencies in case of any flooding incidents,” he said.
He expressed that there will be rescue camps in churches and schools to accommodate people from areas perceived as extremely prone to landslides.
“The Ministry of Health will provide water treatment tablets to residents to fight the possibility of waterborne diseases,” he said, adding that residents should embrace boiling water before drinking.
The governor added that the ministry should also ensure anti-venom is available in dispensaries in those areas prone to snakes, as well as make sure to purchase a double order of medicine to last an entire three months.
He assured that the national exams set to start in October will take place as scheduled, and the government will ensure no student misses out.
Speaking on behalf of the County Commissioner, Maara Deputy County Commissioner Machira Kathungu said that the management of disasters is a shared responsibility between the national and county governments.
He urged the community to collaborate with the government to prevent unnecessary disasters during the heavy rains.
All departments from the county and national government were represented.
By Sharon Gitau
