Mombasa County has activated a countywide disaster preparedness and response plan following a heavy rainfall advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department projecting up to 150 millimetres of rain over the next seven days.
Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has identified Jomvu, Kisauni and Nyali sub-counties as the most vulnerable areas.
Speaking after a multi-agency coordination meeting, the Governor said the county had moved swiftly to safeguard lives, infrastructure and essential services in anticipation of the heavy rains believed to have begun Sunday night.
“With projections indicating intensified rainfall over the next few days, particularly affecting Jomvu, Kisauni and Nyali, we have moved early to safeguard lives, infrastructure and essential services,” Nassir said.
The Governor announced that a fleet of 12 rescue boats had been pre-positioned across flood-prone areas. Six of the boats are from the county government, three from the Kenya Wildlife Service, two from the Kenya Red Cross Society and one from the Kenya Forest Service.
He said five surveillance drones, two provided by the Red Cross and three by the county government, have also been deployed for real-time aerial monitoring of at-risk zones, while a helicopter has been placed on standby for emergency response if needed.
Construction and excavation activities, including borehole drilling, quarrying and sand harvesting, have been temporarily suspended countywide, with the Governor warning that violators would be held accountable for endangering lives.
“Those that are going to be found will be held culpable because they will be putting people’s lives at risk,” Nassir said.
The county’s inspectorate teams have been fully mobilised, with officers recalled from leave and placed on extended duty hours. Sub-county and village-level administration have also been placed on high alert, while the national government has activated response teams from the County Commissioner down to assistant chiefs.
The Department of Health has deployed 64 trained emergency responders and reinforced medical services, with dedicated teams stationed at Coast General Hospital, Port Reitz Hospital and Utange Hospital to handle any emergencies arising from the rains.
The department has also pre-positioned chlorine tablets and water treatment supplies in preparation for potential cross-contamination of water sources following flooding.
Partnering agencies including Kenya Power and Lighting Company, the Kenya National Highways Authority, the Kenya Red Cross Society, the Kenya Forest Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service have agreed on immediate coordinated measures covering enhanced power grid response readiness, clearance of critical road sections, strengthening of emergency health services and rapid drainage clearance across flood-prone areas.
The Governor flagged Bombululu Road, which is currently under construction, as a particular concern for traffic management, directing the Kenya National Highways Authority to ensure readiness given the anticipated congestion during the rains.
Nassir called on residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded and coastal areas during the rains, and plan travel early to avoid disruptions. He directed those requiring emergency assistance to contact the county’s toll-free line 1599.
“Preparedness is our first line of defence. I urge all residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and report any emergencies through our toll-free line 1599,” the Governor advised.
The meteorological department has advised that while winds would remain moderate, the rainfall intensity would be exceptionally high, with the heaviest downpour expected in the three sub-counties.
By Sitati Reagan
