Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued five directives following heavy rains that flooded sections of the capital city on Sunday, March 24.
In a statement on Monday 25, Sakaja noted that the Nairobi County Disaster Management Team is leading an exercise to address the matter.
His statement comes after heavy floods wreaked havoc in the city and its environs following the Sunday night rain.
Videos and photos that went viral on social media showed motorists stranded in their cars as the floodwaters submerged various roads including the expressway.
Consequently, Sakaja has directed the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to deploy water bowsers to the affected areas to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water.
“Public health officers and CHPs to intensify on ground support through distribution of water treatment tablets as well as offer psychosocial support to those affected,” read part of the statement.
The governor stated that the Green Nairobi will form and deploy 170 Green Army personnel to be available as a rapid response unit ready to be deployed to unblock and unclog drainages in hot spot areas.
“Technical teams with specialized equipment will also be deployed to unclog sewers and clean drainage systems in the affected areas,” the statement further read.
Governor Sakaja said these technical team will use equipment machines such as back hoes, wheel loaders, flashing units and excavators to clear clogged drainage.
Also Read: Nairobi Expressway Nightmare, Railway Delays as Heavy Rain Pounds
Sakaja Assures Residents of Safety
In response to reports of missing persons, the County Boss noted that his team will collaborate with other departments to ensure effectiveness in solving the issue.
“The Disaster Management Team is working closely with the National Police Service, National Disaster Operations Centre, and the Red Cross to aid in search and rescue efforts for missing persons,” Sakaja said in the statement.
Governor Johnson further urged residents living near waterways and in flood-prone areas to evacuate to safer locations.
“I want to appeal to our fellow brothers and sisters living along riparian and flood prone areas to heed the calls by our Disaster Management teams to move from these areas,” he said.
He added that the County will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary action to safeguard the lives and properties of people living in Nairobi.
Also, the Governor affirmed that the emergency hotline number, 1508, will remain operational for those in need of assistance.
Also Read: Brave Police Officer Swept Away Saving a Child & Women
Effects of the Floods in Nairobi
A police officer was on Sunday evening swept away by raging floods in Nairobi’s Country Bus station while helping to rescue four people trapped by the flash floods.
The officer, David Chesire, from Kamukunji Police Station, was in the company of his colleagues when they came across three women and a child trapped in one of the stalls where a concrete slab had caved in.
The relentless downpour was accompanied by storms, toppling trees in various areas of the city, including Dennis Pritt Road in Kilimani.
According to information from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), the rain is forecasted to persist until Wednesday, March 27 with heavy showers expected across most parts of the country.
