Accra:Communities in Mororo, Bakuyu, Ziwani, Deri, and Mathengeni villages along the River Tana in Garissa and Tana River counties have undergone a three-day training on disaster risk reduction and management. The training aims to prepare them for the El Niño rains expected during October, November, and December, advising residents to relocate to higher ground.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training was conducted by the Helping Hand for Relief and Development, a non-governmental organization. It covered evacuation procedures, hazard mapping, risk identification, communication structures, and the establishment of incident command centers in the villages. Additionally, the development of community disaster management plans was a key focus.
At least 700 people from these communities are expected to move to safer areas before the rains begin. Yussuf Ibrahim, the head of programs at Helping Hand, emphasized that the training would enable communities to prepare and respond effectively to disasters, minimizing casualties and property loss due to floods.
“We are here to sensitise the communities and prepare them for the floods projected by the Kenya Meteorological Department and the World Meteorological Organization due to the forthcoming El Niño,” Ibrahim stated. He highlighted the importance of using locally available resources for capacity building and preparation.
The region has a history of evacuations due to flooding, with training aimed at better preparedness for the upcoming floods. Ibrahim mentioned plans to provide non-food items, relief food, tents, and cooking utensils to those relocating. He also called for collaborative efforts from the government, NGOs, and well-wishers to find a permanent solution for these communities.
Deri resident Zahara Asha Abdalla recounted the difficulties faced during past floods due to delayed actions. She noted the importance of the training in enabling early action and risk identification to prevent disasters.
Mororo location chief, Abdalla Ali Jillo, urged residents to heed early warning messages from government agencies to avert loss of life and property, warning of action against those ignoring orders to move to higher grounds.
