Health Ministry Issues Flood Preparedness Advisory Ahead of El Niño Rains
The Ministry also advised families to keep essential medication available, service important equipment and secure copies of critical documents.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
In a public health advisory, the Ministry asked households to inspect and secure their roofs, clear drains and gutters and trim tree branches that could fall during heavy storms.
Residents have also been advised to identify safe evacuation routes and assess the risk of flooding in their neighbourhoods. The Ministry urged families living in flood-prone areas to protect water sources from contamination.
Households have been encouraged to make arrangements for vulnerable members of the community, including older people and persons with disabilities, who may require additional assistance during an emergency.
The Ministry also advised families to keep essential medication available, service important equipment and secure copies of critical documents. Residents have been encouraged to prepare rain gear and assemble emergency kits containing essential supplies.
Safe drinking water remains a key concern during flooding. The Ministry urged Kenyans to store adequate supplies of clean water and boil or treat drinking water before consumption to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Families have also been advised to keep emergency lighting and a radio ready, charge mobile phones and power banks before storms and protect important documents in waterproof packaging.
The Ministry further recommended that households replenish first aid supplies, including oral rehydration salts (ORS), which can be useful in managing dehydration.
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, residents have been advised to sleep under treated mosquito nets, particularly in areas where flooding may increase mosquito breeding.
Families have also been encouraged to establish a communication plan and agree on two meeting points where members can regroup if they become separated during flooding or evacuation.
The Ministry called on households with livestock to identify safe shelter for animals and urged schools and workplaces to put appropriate emergency measures in place before the rains intensify.
Kenyans have been urged to remain alert, monitor developments in their areas and follow official health and weather advisories throughout the rainy period.
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