Tana River activates emergency plan ahead of anticipated El Niño rains

Tana River County Governor Dhadho Godhana during a County Executive Committee meeting. He placed all county departments on high alert and instructed them to coordinate closely in mitigating the expected effects of flooding. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, July 6, 2026

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The governor also placed all county departments on high alert and instructed them to coordinate closely in mitigating the expected effects of flooding.

The Tana River County Government has activated emergency preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, with Governor Dhadho Godhana directing the County Steering Group (CSG), which serves as the county's Disaster Risk Management team, to begin response planning immediately.

Speaking during a County Executive Committee meeting, the governor also placed all county departments on high alert and instructed them to coordinate closely in mitigating the expected effects of flooding.

Governor Godhana said the county government is working with relevant ministries and agencies under the national government to strengthen preparedness and ensure a coordinated response before the onset of the rains.

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County officials said preparedness efforts will focus on reducing risks in these locations while ensuring emergency response teams are ready to act should flooding occur.

Tana River is among the counties that experience recurrent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall because large sections of the county lie within the Tana River basin.

Water levels often rise when the river bursts its banks following intense rainfall in upstream catchment areas, affecting settlements, roads, schools and farms. Flooding has also disrupted access to healthcare, education and markets in previous years.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has previously advised counties in flood-prone regions to strengthen preparedness whenever enhanced seasonal rainfall is forecast.

Disaster management experts have consistently emphasised that early planning, public awareness, coordinated emergency response and relocating vulnerable communities are among the most effective measures for reducing the humanitarian and economic impact of severe flooding.