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Residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties have been urged to prepare for the consequences of the El Nino rains expected to hit the area from September to January.

County Meteorology Directors Henry Sese (Kisii) and Naftal Odochi (Nyamira) said the two counties are expected to experience above-normal rainfall.

Sese said the rains will peak in November and urged residents and children to avoid sheltering under trees to avoid being struck by lightning and falling branches due to heavy storms.

“We expect floods, soil erosion, landslides, floods and siltation in rivers and dams and outbreak of waterborne diseases,” he told the press at his office yesterday.

Sese appealed to departmental heads to take measures to mitigate the effects of El Nino and advise members of the public on the type of crops to plant to boost food production.

The Director, flanked by Odochi, urged the county government to open up clogged drainage systems to curb floods which could displace people and lead to loss of livelihoods.

He said health facilities should be stocked with adequate drugs to treat malaria and water borne diseases.

The official said roads will be slippery and urged motorists to drive carefully to avoid accidents.

“It is not doom and gloom. We expect high food production and the prices will be lower due to the high supply and it will benefit members of the public,” Sese said.