By Hope Barbra
Kisumu City has moved to put in place structures for flood preparedness during this rainy season and has put the disaster department at both the City and County levels on high alert.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o said the government has received flood warnings and expects floods in Nyamasaria, Kapuothe, Dunga and Migosi areas.
He said a crisis meeting with Red Cross officials and officers from the city and county departments of disaster management will be held on Monday to mitigate possible flooding in the area and to mobilize resources for any eventuality.
“The Nairobi flooding was a wake-up call to all of us and that is why we are reviewing and enhancing the disaster response structures we had put in place. We want to avoid such destruction as was witnessed in Nairobi,” he said.
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said 80 percent of the city was free from flooding and there was no cause for alarm.
“In Kapuothe, the works have not been completed and with River Nyamasaria, Alewra and Wigwa almost breaking their banks, we are likely to have floods in the area,” he said.
He said the city disaster department was on high alert and ready to evacuate those affected by floods to safer and higher areas.
“We have and are still mobilizing resources to respond to floods and to ensure the victims are not left to suffer. We are mobilizing medical supplies and other assorted foodstuffs and requirements,” he said.
Kenya Red Cross has issued urgent guidelines for residents in flood-prone areas, saying that even shallow moving water is dangerous: six inches can knock an adult off their feet, and one foot of fast-flowing water can sweep away a vehicle.
Residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground, switch off electricity in inundated homes, avoid driving near rivers, and never cross flooded bridges.
Additional precautions include using a stick to test water depth, avoiding downed power lines, and refraining from walking through electrified or muddy water.
Authorities and communities are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and use the toll-free emergency line 1199 for assistance.
