Ministry of Health Publishes Guidelines to Help Kenyans Cope With Heavy Rains

A photo of the Nairobi Expressway taken by a drone on April 20, 2023.
A photo of the Nairobi Expressway taken by a drone on April 20, 2023.
Photo
Moja Expressway

The Ministry of Health on Saturday published guidelines advising residents of the areas expected to experience heavy rainfalls including Nairobi to exercise caution in order to stay safe.

In a statement, the Ministry led by Susan Nakhumicha outlined six potential health risks that could occur due to rains.

The Ministry listed respiratory diseases, malaria, and water-related diseases like cholera and typhoid as ailments Kenyans could contract due to the cold weather and heavy rainfall.

Nakhumicha's Ministry also warned about the possibility of hilly areas experiencing landslides.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha during a meeting with KMPDU officials at her office on Friday, December 30, 2022.
Ministry of Health

The Ministry further warned about the possibility of swollen rivers and broken banks.

As such, the Ministry advised Kenyans to stay at home when necessary to avoid being exposed to the cold weather.

Kenyans were also encouraged to ensure that there is proper ventilation in their homes even as they boil and treat water used in the homes.

Using latrines and clearing of drainages around homes was also advised.

The Ministry also provided Kenyans with hotlines which they could use to report any incidences resulting from rains. The hotlines include 719, 0729471414, or 0732353535.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a flooding advisory targeting Nairobi and other counties across the country.

The weatherman also advised Kenyans to monitor weather conditions and plan appropriately for their activities.

"Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream. Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows when raining to minimize exposure to lightning strikes," read the advisory in part.

"The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage. People in landslide-prone areas especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt Kenya, and other hilly areas over the western region should be vigilant."

A flooded neighbourhood after heavy rains
A flooded neighbourhood after heavy rains in Nairobi County in 2023.
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Ma3Route