Government Issues El Niño Warning, Directs Evacuations in Flood-Prone Areas
The government has urged citizens residing along riparian zones and high-risk flood areas to relocate to safer grounds immediately, warning of a 90% chance of above-average rainfall driven by El Niño between October 2026 and early 2027.
Speaking on Thursday, September 10, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino revealed that the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority is monitoring rising sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. While Pacific anomalies stand at +2.7, indicating a developing El Niño, the Indian Ocean Dipole remains neutral at +0.25—slightly below the +0.4 threshold that typically triggers catastrophic deluge.
Despite the neutral Indian Ocean metrics, Owino emphasized that the probability of unusually heavy downpours remains exceptionally high.
In response, the state has activated a multi-agency preparedness plan requiring all ministries to set up national standing committees. Additionally, county governments working alongside National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) have been instructed to map flood-prone zones, establish rapid emergency response protocols, and organize safe evacuations.
The warning follows a severe dry spell and heatwaves in Kenya's western grain basket, which compromised recent crop yields. Owino urged the public to stay alert, follow official advisories, and avoid panic, reassuring citizens that state agencies are collaborating with humanitarian partners to minimize loss of life and property.
Comments
Post a Comment