Kenya Meteorological Department Reveals Disaster Preparedness Plans Ahead of Rainy Season
The Kenya Meteorological Department has outlined disaster mitigation strategies in anticipation of the rainy season. This includes disseminating weather forecasts to counties and engaging various stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai emphasized the necessity of historical climate analysis and collaboration with the community to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has recently outlined strategic measures to prepare for impending adverse weather conditions as the country approaches the rainy season. Principal Meteorologist and Climate Scientist Joyce Kimutai discussed in a television interview the systematic process of relaying vital weather information to counties, facilitating appropriate planning and analysis by local authorities.
The procedure initiates with the generation of weather forecasts, which are subsequently disseminated to respective counties for localized assessment. To enhance disaster preparedness, participatory workshops convene multiple stakeholders from weather-sensitive sectors, fostering a collaborative environment where critical information is gathered for effective planning.
Kimutai stated, “We’ve looked at the climate of the area. The climate tells you what the normal rainfall is for this region.” The department employs a centralized information-sharing model, supplemented by historical climate analysis to determine average climatic patterns in specific areas. For instance, the lake region typically experiences average rainfall of 120 millimetres, with elevated forecasts indicating potential peaks of up to 300 millimetres during above-normal seasons.
The Kenya Meteorological Department places significant emphasis on the engagement of stakeholders to evaluate the demographic impacts of weather forecasts on various economic sectors. Kimutai affirmed the importance of collaboration with local communities, particularly farmers, to foster informed decision-making that mitigates the adverse effects of extreme weather.
On March 4, Dr. David Gikungu, Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, addressed the unprecedented high temperatures, which reached up to 32°C across the Highlands East of the Rift Valley. He noted that these conditions are typical preceding the onset of long rains, emphasizing that as the sun transitions towards the equator, significant heating occurs, resulting in atmospheric instability, which subsequently affects rainfall patterns.
In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department is proactively implementing measures to prepare for the rainy season, focusing on facilitating communication and collaboration among stakeholders. By analyzing historical climate patterns and engaging local communities, the department aims to effectively respond to anticipated weather-related challenges and mitigate associated risks. The recent explanations regarding temperature fluctuations further contextualize the importance of these preparations as Kenya braces for changing climate conditions.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
