Efforts to reduce flooding in Marsabit County ahead of the expected El Niño rains have intensified, with the Marsabit Municipality, in collaboration with the SND Range Project and Mercy Corps, continuing to unclog drainage systems and waterways in Marsabit town.
The exercise is part of the county’s preparations to ensure stormwater has clear pathways during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
SND Range Project Crisis Modifier Officer Bonaya Diid Malla said the ongoing exercise was aimed at preparing Marsabit town before the rains arrive.
“We are preparing the town before the rains come. We engaged 25 young people to clear blocked waterways and open up drainage systems,” Malla said.
He identified the blockage of natural water channels as a major cause of flooding in the town, saying effective clearing of drainage systems and waterways remained critical in efforts to prevent flooding.
Malla said lessons from previous floods had demonstrated the importance of preparedness, timely communication and early warning messages.
“We have learnt from previous floods that preparation and communication are key during disasters. Having participatory messages enables communities to be proactive,” he said.
He urged residents to work together by keeping drainage systems clean and disposing of waste responsibly, saying early preparedness could help protect the community from the effects of heavy rains.
“Together, we can prepare today and protect our community tomorrow,” he said.
Malla also urged residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to heed weather advisories and take precautions before the rains intensify.
Municipal Environment Officer Adhi Sora warned residents to take precautions against waterborne diseases as the county government and its partners prepare for the expected El Niño rains.
She said poor sanitation and contaminated floodwaters could increase the risk of disease outbreaks, urging households to prepare for the rains instead of leaving the responsibility to the government.
Adhi urged households to clear bushes around their homes, unclog drainage systems and keep their surroundings clean to reduce flooding and the spread of diseases.
She also warned residents and businesses against illegally dumping garbage on road reserves, saying the practice posed risks to the environment and public health.
She described the practice as irresponsible, noting that illegal dumping not only makes the town dirty but can also block drainage systems and create health hazards.
“I urge residents and businesses to use authorised waste collection services and ensure their waste is disposed of at designated sites,” she said.
Adhi urged residents in low-lying areas to consider relocating to safer ground before the onset of the rains, warning that prolonged rainfall could saturate the soil and increase the risk of flooding.
Halima Abdi, a resident of Marsabit town, said residents had experienced flooding even during normal rainy seasons because of the area’s low-lying terrain.
She welcomed the ongoing efforts by the Marsabit Municipality, SND Range Project and Mercy Corps to clear drainage systems and waterways, saying residents hoped the exercise would provide a lasting solution.
Halima said residents were prepared to support measures aimed at reducing the risk of flooding, including unclogging drainage systems and waterways.
The preparations follow advisories from the Meteorological Department warning of enhanced rainfall in several parts of the country, with the potential for flooding and disease outbreaks in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
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