Nairobi County has been able to identify approximately 185,499 people living in flood prone areas across 17 sub-counties as it even prepares for the El Nino rains expected in November, with Embakasi South recording the highest number of people at risk.
A report presented by Chief Officer for Disaster Management Bramuel Simiyu before the Nairobi County Assembly Committee on Culture and Community Services on Thursday shows that 48,343 households have been identified as being at risk of flooding.
“Chairman, the most critical population exposure is associated with high density settlements Including Mukuru kwa Njenga, Pipeline, Mwiki, Ruai, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Kware,Njiru and Dandora,” Simiyu said.
ALSO READ:Why Counties Need Dedicated Peace Departments
Embakasi South tops Nairobi’s flood risk list ahead of expected El nino rains
Embakasi South accounts for 45,400 people, followed by Embakasi North with 25,950 and Embakasi Central with 25,500.
The three sub counties collectively account for 96,850 people, approximately 52 per cent of the total population identified as being at risk.
Other areas that have been listed among the highest risk sub counties include Kasarani, with 19,430 people at risk, Starehe with 12,280 and Kamukunji with 8,300.
The report also identifies densely populated settlements, including Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Pipeline, Kwa Reuben, Ruai, Njiru, Dandora and even Mwiki, among areas of concern.
The figures formed part of the department’s El Nino preparedness, response and recovery report presented to the committee chaired by Clarence Munga, as members sought details of the county’s readiness and the challenges facing its disaster management operations.
“We also need to know if such an emergency happens where exactly are we as MCAs supposed to tell the public to go to in our wards for shelter, if it is a church, which one specifically,” Munga asked.
County identifies 172 evacuation sites
As part of its preparedness measures, the county has identified approximately 172 evacuation sites for residents who may need to leave their homes during flooding.
However, the department does not plan to use schools as temporary shelters during the anticipated rains because examinations will be under way.
Simiyu also cited previous experiences in which school equipment, including desks and latrines were damaged when schools hosted disaster victims. The county is instead considering open spaces where they will put up tents, churches, mosques and community social halls as alternative evacuation centres.
47.13 million shillings approved for rescue equipment
The county has approved approximately 47.13 million shillings for additional flood rescue and lighting equipment, according to the report presented to the committee.
The equipment requirements include pumps, generators, drones, inflatable boats and lighting equipment intended to support emergency operations.
The department also requires approximately 500,000 shillings to restore identified equipment that is currently out of service.
The allocation is expected to strengthen the county’s ability to respond to flooding and other emergencies, Simiyu said.
ALSO READ:Lindi Ward Has No Public ECDE Centre as Kibra Families Struggle to Access Early Learning
Emergency coordination plans
The department is also proposing an Emergency Operations Centre at Lady Northey that will be able to coordinate incident management, search and rescue, field operations, forecasting,logistics and public communication.
“Chair we have designated lady Northey on statehouse road where we will be carrying out operations on planning and logistics. We have even agreed on two toll free numbers which I urge you members to circulate to members of the public,” Simiyu added.
During periods of heavy rainfall, the centre is proposed to operate around the clock in three shifts.
Separately, a City Hall Crisis Centre has also been created according to the Chief officer that is intended to provide the Governor and county leadership with a platform for important decision making in the time of emergency.
Additionally, the county has set up two toll free lines to be used, that is the counties toll free line 1508 and 1199 for the Red Cross.
Committee members sought an update on the department’s preparedness and the challenges it faces in responding to emergencies, as the county plans for the anticipated November rains.
With nearly 185,500 people identified as being at risk, the effectiveness of the evacuation arrangements, the availability of functioning rescue equipment and the coordination of emergency services will be important factors in being able to protect residents in flood prone parts of Nairobi.
Leave a Reply