By Betty Luke
Residents living in flood-prone areas in Isiolo County have been asked to exercise precaution to avert destruction and loss of lives in the wake of the ongoing March-April-May rains that are expected to cause flooding in the low-lying areas.
Cherab MCA Halima Abgudo said while the local residents expect the county and national government to put in place requisite safety measures, it was everyone’s responsibility to remain vigilant and shun areas synonymous with flooding.
“Everyone needs to be watchful and in case there is a need to move to higher and safer grounds, do so before the rains increase to avoid what we witnessed during the last year’s rains,” she said.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) early this week issued an alert of heavy rainfall between April 2 to April 8 in Northern, Western, Central, and Coastal parts of the country urging residents to be alert and prepare for potential floods.
Ms Abgudo said several parts of Merti Sub-County had been adversely affected by last year’s El Nino rains after River Ewaso Nyiro broke its banks, marooning nearby villages and section of Merti town.
She said while the county government had dispatched a contractor to repair a canal that would help dispose off the flood water to avert further destruction, there was a need for the residents to be on the lookout.
“The county government should directly supervise the contractor to ensure permanent solution to the floods menace which will encourage those who had left their homes after last year’s rains to return home,” she appealed.
Ngaremara ward was the most affected area during the last rains, with over 1000 households displaced, and several businesses affected by flood water.
Ms Abgudo who has declared intention to vie for Woman Rep seat in 2027 elections also called on Muslims to exercise tolerance and alms-giving during the Ramadhan season.
“It is not good for one to overfeed while your neighbour is breaking fast with water. Share the little you have with the less fortunate to receive blessings from Allah,” she urged.
