Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued five directives in response to the flooding caused by heavy rains in parts of the city on Sunday. In a statement, Sakaja stated that the Nairobi County Disaster Management Team is leading the efforts to mitigate the situation.
He instructed the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to dispatch water trucks to the affected areas to provide residents with access to clean drinking water. Additionally, Sakaja announced that the Community Health Partners (CHP) will be present on-site to provide assistance to the affected families.
“Public health officers and CHPs to intensify on-ground support through distribution of water treatment tablets as well as offer psychosocial support to those affected,” he said.
The city boss also stated that the Green Nairobi initiative will mobilize 170 Green Army personnel to promptly address the unblocking and clearing of drains in flood-prone areas. He elaborated that the technical team will utilize equipment such as backhoes, wheel loaders, flushing units, and excavators to alleviate clogged drainage systems.
In response to reports of missing persons, the Governor assured collaboration with other departments to address the issue effectively. “The Disaster Management Team is working closely with the National Police Service, National Disaster Operations Centre, and the Red Cross to aid in search and rescue efforts for missing persons,” Sakaja said.
Residents living near waterways and flood prone areas have been advised to evacuate such areas as it is important for them to heed calls from Disaster Management teams to evacuate such areas.
He said the emergency hotline number, 1508, will remain operational for those requiring assistance.
Following the heavy rains, at least 10 people lost their lives in the capital. The toll is expected to rise as more families have reported their friends and kin are missing following the flooding that was reported.
