NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 10— The Government has placed 18 counties on heightened alert and activated multi-agency emergency teams as Kenya prepares for a potentially strong El Niño expected to bring above-normal rainfall from October.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority had forecast an 81 per cent chance of a strong El Niño event, with a 97 per cent probability that its effects could persist into early next year.

The warning has prompted the Government to map areas considered most vulnerable to flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks, drought, infrastructure damage and displacement as part of preparations to mitigate the anticipated impacts.

The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) has identified counties in the Coast, Lake Basin, Rift Valley and North Eastern regions as among the areas facing the highest levels of vulnerability.

📌 What You Need to Know

Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu have also been classified as high-risk urban centres, with authorities warning of flooding, blocked drainage systems, pressure on infrastructure and disruptions to essential services.

The Government said the risk assessment is intended to guide the deployment of emergency resources and prioritise response planning before the onset of the expected heavy rains.

In the Coast region, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and Kwale have been identified as vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, coastal erosion and infrastructure damage.

The Interior Ministry warned that some communities in the region could be displaced by flooding if the anticipated rains materialise.

The risks come as coastal communities remain exposed to the combined effects of heavy rainfall, rising water levels and damage to roads and other critical infrastructure.

In the Lake Basin, Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori have been placed among the areas requiring heightened preparedness.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya