Early Warning System Launched to Combat Devastating Floods in Kenya
In a bid to prevent the devastating effects of floods in the region, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has launched an early warning system at Nyando River in Kisumu, Kenya. The system, which was handed over to the NBI by the Council of Ministers, is designed to monitor water levels in the river and send signals to alert communities of impending floods.
The machine, which captures data every 10 minutes, will relay information to NBI offices in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Entebbe, allowing for a coordinated response to flooding. According to NBI Executive Director Dr. Florence Adongo, the system will help to communicate immediate danger and offer an opportunity to alert people early to move to higher grounds before floods strike.
Nyando River has a history of bursting its banks, causing massive flooding that has led to the destruction of farmlands and loss of life. The new system is expected to minimize the damage caused by these floods, which have become an annual occurrence.
The machine uses satellites to transmit accurate data about water levels in the river, eliminating the need for manual data collection. NBI’s technical team will analyze the data and work with the government to warn communities promptly in case of imminent flooding.
The initiative has also installed similar equipment in five other rivers within the Kenyan territory to monitor water levels. NBI shares information with relief organizations, including the Kenya Red Cross, to support their response and planning.
Chairman of Nyando River Water Users’ Association Nicholas Awande hailed the system as key to averting devastating effects of floods. “The river bursting its banks has led to many schools not opening, families losing their property, but now, with this machine, we are certain that the damage will be minimized,” he said.
The early warning system is a significant step towards mitigating the impact of floods in the region, and it is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.
