NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 24 — The government has identified areas in Nairobi where residents may need to be evacuated if El Niño rains trigger flooding beyond safe levels, with temporary holding grounds and emergency supplies being prepared ahead of the expected onset of heavy rains in October.

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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said authorities had mapped potential evacuation areas and made arrangements for food, non-food items and medical supplies for people who may be moved to temporary holding grounds.

He said evacuation orders would only be issued if conditions became unsafe, and urged residents to comply with directives from authorities when necessary.

“We have also identified possible areas where we may need to evacuate the members of the public if the rains go beyond what would constitute safety for those areas, and we have temporary holding grounds,” Kindiki said.

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“When that time comes, the authorities will issue alerts and evacuation orders, and I want to give again the assurance of the government that any evacuation or relocation will be done humanely, will be communicated in good time, and will be done in a manner that gives dignity to the affected people.”

Kindiki said the government was preparing for increased rainfall in Nairobi, with weather projections indicating that the rains could set in during the second or third week of October.

He said the expected torrential rains could disrupt roads and drainage systems, trigger flooding and cause interruptions to electricity supplies.

“We are prepared. There is still work ongoing,” Kindiki said, adding that drainage works were continuing while authorities were inspecting power and transmission lines ahead of the rains.

The Deputy President said the government had also identified flooding choke points in the city and was working to unclog, dredge and open them before the rains intensify.

The work is being undertaken jointly by the Nairobi County Government and the Nairobi Rivers Commission, with the county’s Green Army and the national government’s Climate Works Youth Contingent involved in the clean-up and drainage works.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya