Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has issued urgent directives for residents in flood-prone regions to evacuate their homes by 6:30 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024, or face compulsory evacuation measures.
The government has assured that temporary shelter, food, and essential supplies will be provided to support them during this challenging period. To ensure safety during the evacuation process, operations will be conducted between 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM.
It particularly targets individuals residing in areas prone to landslides and mudslides, as well as those situated near 178 public and private dams, which are either at capacity or nearing it.
In response to pleas from communities vulnerable to floods and landslides, the government has been urged to provide alternative relocation sites. Kindiki emphasized the necessity of immediate action, stating, “All persons residing adjacent to dams and water reservoirs must vacate these areas within 24 hours, effective immediately.
National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) have been tasked with coordinating efforts with county governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate the evacuation in a timely and compassionate manner.
Furthermore, the evacuation directive extends to residents within the 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and watercourses across the country. Illegal settlements within these areas will be dismantled accordingly.
As the evacuation proceeds, residents are urged to cooperate fully with authorities and adhere to safety instructions for their well-being.
