Machakos, Kenya: five individuals have tragically drowned in separate flash flood incidents since October, all attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon. This information emerges from the recent County Disaster Management Committee meeting, according to reports from the gathering led by County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki and Machakos Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) David Rotich.

According to Kenya News Agency, The victims include a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate who perished on November 24 in Matungulu. The student drowned after slipping into a dam while taking a selfie post-exam. Another tragic incident involved a 14-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters in Kinanie, Athi River Sub County, on November 3. Additionally, two minors drowned in Vota, Machakos, while swimming in a private dam, and a Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) candidate drowned in Masinga on October 31.

Alongside these fatalities, several building collapses due to heavy rains were reported in areas like Kivaa and Kithendu, thankfully without resulting in injuries. In response to these incidents, a multi-agency team, including national and county government representatives, Kenya Red Cross, and other relevant agencies, has been mobilized to mitigate the impacts of the El Nino rains.

Dr. Ndambuki emphasized the importance of centralized information flow for public alertness and flood mitigation, noting that the team will focus on monitoring El Nino patterns and implementing contingency plans. The county secretary also highlighted the efforts to sensitize the public about potential risks and safety measures.

Despite these tragedies, Ndambuki reassured that no major incidents had occurred in Machakos and affirmed the county’s readiness in disaster response, including identifying evacuation centers for potentially displaced residents. DCC Rotich underscored the national government’s commitment to addressing El Nino-related challenges and called for cooperation between government levels.

The team has identified 19 hotspot areas in the county prone to El Nino-related disasters, including regions around the Mavoko and river Athi basin, Masinga dam environs, and several sub-counties like Athi River and Machakos.