The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised locals within lowlands in Elgeyo Marakwet County to move to higher and safer grounds.
Department’s county director Simon Cheptot says this is one of the ways locals can stay safe and evade dangers that might be posed by mudslides due to ongoing heavy rains.
Cheptot notes that the county is expected to receive heavy rainfall within the next two months, hence the need for the locals to be cautious and stay within safer areas.
“Those living in areas known to be prone to mudslides should be extra keen. As soon as they see signs of danger, they need to move to safer grounds,” he said in Iten town.
The Elgeyo Marakwet County Met department director also noted that the area is likely to receive more rainfall this year compared to the past.
Harvest rainwater
But even as locals are being warned about the looming mudslide threat, they are also being advised to consider finding ways to store rainwater.
Cheptot notes that as soon as the high rainfall season comes to an end, there will be a prolonged dry season.
“We ask locals that depend on rainwater for their agricultural activities to plant fast maturing crops because the rainy season will not last for long,” he noted.
The Kenya Meteorological Department is mandated to provide timely early warning weather and climate information for the safety of life, protection of property and conservation of the natural environment.
Due to the nature of the Elgeyo Marakwet landscape, the county has been experiencing mudslides during heavy rainfall seasons.
In the past, mudslides have destroyed properties and even loves lost.
The most recent mudslide was in April 2020 where several people are said to have died with properties worth millions destroyed along Endo and Chesogon areas that lie at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot Counties.
