By Mbungu Harrison
Mombasa County has taken proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of heavy rainfall by activating a comprehensive emergency response plan. This initiative comes in the wake of a heavy rainfall advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department, which forecasts significant downpours in the coming days. In response, Governor Abdulswamand Nassir announced the deployment of drones to monitor flood-prone areas in real-time, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the county's preparedness and minimizing the adverse effects of the expected rains.
The areas expected to be most affected include Jomvu, Kisauni, and Nyali subcounties. These regions have been identified as particularly vulnerable to flooding, necessitating swift and coordinated action. The decision to deploy drones was reached during a high-level multi-agency coordination meeting chaired by the county leadership. This meeting was convened to activate rapid response measures that would safeguard lives, infrastructure, and essential services in the face of the impending weather conditions.
Governor Nassir emphasized the importance of real-time surveillance, stating, "Among the key interventions agreed upon is the deployment of drones to provide real-time surveillance of flood-prone zones, enabling faster response and better coordination among emergency teams." The use of drone technology is expected to significantly enhance the county's ability to monitor and respond to flooding incidents as they occur.
The county government is collaborating with several national agencies and partners to ensure a comprehensive response. These include the Kenya Power and Lighting Company, Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service. Together, these agencies have committed to implementing immediate measures such as enhanced power restoration readiness, clearing critical road sections, pre-positioning rescue boats, strengthening emergency health services, and accelerating drainage clearance in flood-prone areas.
To further mitigate risks, the county has temporarily suspended construction and excavation activities. This suspension aims to reduce the dangers associated with soil erosion and water obstruction. Additionally, inspectorate teams have been reinforced across the affected areas to ensure compliance with safety measures and to support emergency operations.
Governor Nassir underscored the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to remain alert, avoid flooded areas, and promptly report emergencies through the toll-free line 1599. Authorities have assured the public that they will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as weather conditions evolve. The county's proactive stance underscores its commitment to protecting its residents and infrastructure from the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.
