Kenya Meteorological Department Prepares for Rainy Season with Enhanced Disaster Mitigation Plans
The Kenya Meteorological Department has indicated its plans to mitigate disasters as the rainy season approaches. Key strategies include disseminating weather forecasts to local governments, conducting workshops with stakeholders, and analyzing climate data to prepare for variations in rainfall. The Department emphasizes community collaboration, particularly with sectors sensitive to weather, to help manage risks associated with extreme weather patterns.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced measures to address disaster mitigation ahead of anticipated rainy seasons, aiming to ensure the nation is prepared for the evolving climate dynamics. Principal Meteorologist and Climate Scientist Joyce Kimutai elaborated on the process of keeping counties updated on weather forecasts during a recent interview, noting that these forecasts undergo comprehensive analysis before dissemination to local governments.
The department organizes participatory workshops, engaging stakeholders from weather-sensitive sectors. This collaborative approach helps generate critical information for effective planning. Kimutai explained the significance of understanding regional climate norms, stating, “We’ve looked at the climate of the area. The climate tells you what the normal rainfall is for this region.”
The Kenya Meteorological Department employs a centralized system for forecasting, which involves historical climate assessments to ascertain typical rainfall patterns in distinct regions. For instance, in the lake region, expected rainfall could substantially exceed normal averages, exemplified by a potential rise from 120 millimeters to 200 or even 300 millimeters in particularly wet seasons.
Kimutai stressed the necessity of engaging with local communities and key stakeholders, such as farmers, to facilitate informed decisions based on these forecasts. Through this approach, she believes that the risks tied to extreme weather events may be considerably reduced.
Moreover, Dr. David Gikungu, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, addressed the prevailing high temperatures in the country, which have recently reached up to 32°C in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley. These temperatures are typical preceding the long rainy season, as the sun approaches its zenith over the equator, leading to increased atmospheric instability that impacts regional weather patterns, resulting in heavy rainfall in some areas while causing dryness in others.
In conclusion, the Kenya Meteorological Department’s proactive strategies in disaster mitigation, including participatory engagements with local stakeholders and thorough climate assessments, are crucial for preparing the nation for adverse weather conditions. By ensuring that communities have access to reliable forecasts and data, the Department aims to mitigate risks associated with climate variability and enhance resilience against extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
