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Kisii county and national government officers have taken measures to address the effects of the El Nino rains expected to pound the area to curb destruction of properties and ease the suffering of residents.

County Commissioner Tom Anjere said they have mapped disaster prone areas and challenged locals to move to safer grounds to avoid injuries and losing their properties due to floods.

Speaking at Kisii Agricultural and Training Centre during a stakeholders Disaster Preparedness meeting, he urged church and political leaders to sensitize residents on the dangers of the torrential rain.

“ I urge people living on riparian areas and those doing business on road reserves to move away to be safe,” Anjere told the press after a meeting attended by Kisii governor, Simba Arati.

He appealed to the county government to unclog drainage systems to prevent run offs and cut aged trees which could fall and cause havoc due to the heavy rain.

The Commissioner, flanked by County Police Commander, Charles Kases said they have formed sub committees to handle specific areas and implored the county government to prepare staff to address emergencies related to the El Nino.

“We are collaborating with contractors, Kenya rural roads authority (Kerra) Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  to ensure residents are safe,” Anjere said.