By Lauryne Akoth
Mombasa County Disaster Preparedness Management and Mitigation Committee has advised area residents to be vigilant in the wake of the weatherman’s prediction of Cyclone Hidaya.
On Thursday, the Cabinet was briefed on the weather forecast for the next three months and noted that Cyclone Hidaya is expected to hit the coastal region.
It will result in heavy rainfall, large waves, and strong winds that might affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean.
The cyclone travelling at a speed of 40 nautical miles per hour was expected to arrive at Kenya’s waters Friday at 3 am.
Daniel Manyala, a County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Transport and Infrastructure, stated that they are implementing safety measures and engaging in discussions about response protocols during periods of severe weather.
The department and the Red Cross have been tasked with preparing a Mombasa Disaster Management Contingency Plan. The committee has put measures for seamless delivery of essential services.
“The committee took note of the weather forecast that indicated that the Coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya which will result in unprecedented heavy rainfall, large waves, and strong winds across the coastal strip,” said CECM Manyala.
He added that the committee has flagged an increased risk of flooding that is expected in low-lying areas as well as flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and the collapsing of walls, trees, and buildings.
“The general public is hereby advised to exercise caution and increased vigilance. We urge the residents of Mombasa to avoid taking unnecessary risks and limit activities adjacent to water bodies,” stated CECM Manyala.
Residents residing along river banks were advised to relocate to higher elevations, while construction workers were instructed to prioritize safety measures and prevent falling objects. Fishermen and beach visitors were urged to remain vigilant.
Mapping of flood-prone areas is ongoing with Kalahari, Kwa Shee, Kashani, and Dimbwini areas identified as high-risk areas.
Unclogging of drainage continues unabated across the county and an emergency stormwater drainage and the county’s fire and rescue teams are on standby to deal with any eventuality.
The county has assembled eight active fire engines, one rescue truck for high-rising rescue services, a shovel, a grader, and 21 submersible pumps.
“Our Sirikali Mtaani infrastructure has been put in place and first responders have been activated up to the ward level. We will activate the responders up to the village level so that they are where the incidents happen,” stated Manyala.
In case of flooding, Mombasa residents are urged to call 0738222555 for immediate response. Red Cross Coordinator Aisha Hussein said they have been conducting a door-to-door sensitization of the community and have activated Community Disaster Committees.
Hussein revealed that the Coastal City is not out of the woods as 186 people have been affected by the raging rains with only four displaced and hosted by their relatives.