State tightens emergency response measures to El Nino

The Government has tightened emergency response to the enhanced rainfall after the weatherman confirmed the heavy rains being experience across the country are as a result of the El Nino phenomenon.

Speaking in Nairobi after intensive consultations with government agencies, stakeholders and development partners, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that a multi-agency response team is mobilising needed resources to avert loss of lives and property during the El Nino period.

More than 19 Counties in ASAL and non-ASAL areas have been adversely affected by the continuing heavy rains with sections of roads cut off in Counties such as Wajir, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Tana River and Garissa.

The second in command said aircrafts have been deployed for evacuation of the marooned families to safe grounds.

The Deputy President, who chairs the National Emergency Response Committee, at the same time said that the government has put mechanisms in place to help families that have been displaced, especially in Northern Kenya and downstream in areas like Tana River.