BY RITA MUTHONI
Residents and farmers in Embu County have been urged to take early precautionary measures to protect lives, property and crops ahead of anticipated heavy rains that could increase the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
The call was made during the launch of the second phase of the Green Rising Initiative in Embu town, where environmental stakeholders urged communities to strengthen disaster preparedness, conserve the environment and adopt climate-smart farming practices to mitigate the effects of extreme weather.
Kenya Scouts Association Embu County Commissioner Elidah Nyagah encouraged residents to use the expected rains to plant more trees, embrace agroforestry and strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
“While meteorologists have predicted the coming of El Niño rains in Kenya, I urge residents to take advantage of the upcoming rainfall and plant as many tree seedlings as possible,” Nyagah said, adding that the association would deploy scouts to participate in tree-planting activities ahead of the rainy season.
Rainforest Alliance Team Manager Diidah Karayu Wario said the organisation would continue working with communities to plant trees and restore degraded land as part of efforts to address the long-term effects of climate change.
TARDA Regional Coordinator Joses Mugambi called on the county government to repair damaged bridges, clear blocked culverts and ensure timely garbage collection to prevent drainage channels and waterways from being obstructed.
“We are asking residents living near rivers and in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground to avoid being swept away by floods,” Mugambi said.
Embu County Agricultural Director Patrick Njeru also urged residents to inspect trees around their homes and remove those that pose a safety risk, particularly ahead of periods of heavy rainfall.
The stakeholders further urged residents to remain vigilant, keep drainage channels clear and follow government advisories throughout the rainy season.
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