Lodwar, 17th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Turkana County Steering Group (CSG) convened a meeting to enhance disaster preparedness by developing contingency plans for the upcoming October, November, and December (OND) short rain season, which is expected to bring above-normal rainfall.

The plan, formulated in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, is designed to support farmers, pastoralists, traders, and institutions whose livelihoods are directly impacted by rainfall patterns.

Speaking during the meeting, Benedict Mukoo, Director of Disaster Risk Management, emphasized the importance of such plans in ensuring timely and effective responses to emergencies.

Director Mukoo however acknowledged resource allocation challenges that often hamper full implementation of these plans.

“Communities in Turkana have been made vulnerable by unpredictable climatic changes. A contingency plan will be crucial in safeguarding them in times of crisis, we have a collective responsibility to ensure a coordinated response, and this plan is part of that effort.” Director Mukoo noted.

The Director of Meteorological Services in Turkana, Francis Muinga, supported the forecast, stating that predictions by his department aligned with traditional rain pattern readings.

“We expect near-normal to slightly above-normal rains during the OND period, and there is a potential for flash floods,” Muinga said.

He added that the forecast was sufficient to warrant the development of a robust contingency plan.

Jacob Ekaran of the National Drought Management Authority emphasized that the plan aims to guide disaster response through evidence-based and timely information.

The collaborative effort between the CSG and the Meteorological Department seeks to ensure effective dissemination of weather-related information to all relevant sectors, allowing for swift action and mitigating the risks posed by extreme weather conditions.