The government through the Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki has issued a warning to Kenyans about the ongoing rains, urging those who live in flood and land slide-prone areas to heed all advisories, including orders to relocate from dangerous areas.
The CS said that the government will enforce compliance in areas where residents refuse to leave despite being given notice.
Speaking in Garissa on Monday during a national tree planting event, CS Kindiki said the stance was taken in response to at least 46 deaths reported across the country as a result of flooding.
According to the National Disaster Management, at least 58,000 people have been displaced, and over 1000 livestock have been killed, including 952 goats.
“Evacuate when our officers tell you to evacuate from flooded areas, or areas that are prone to landslides,” stated CS Kindiki
“Please comply, and if you don’t, we will force you to comply so that we can save your lives,”
The Kenya Meteorological Department forecasted above-average rainfall in the fourth quarter of this year, owing to elevated sea surface temperatures over the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Residents in arid and semi-arid districts such as Tana River, Makueni, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Mandera counties are the the hardest hit, as they were still recuperating from the consequences of the worst drought in 40 years.
