Kenya and Tanzania activate emergency plans for El Niño rains

East African nations are activating emergency protocols to prepare for heavy rainfall driven by the El Niño phenomenon.

In Tanzania, Minister Palamagamba Kabudi has issued 13 directives to various authorities and the public to mitigate risks such as floods, landslides, and disease outbreaks. Fourteen regions, including Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Arusha, have been identified as particularly vulnerable. The government's National Emergency Response Plan includes inspecting critical infrastructure like bridges and drainage systems, while encouraging citizens to utilize the rains for agriculture and livestock.

Similarly, the Kenyan government has activated a national emergency plan in anticipation of above-normal rainfall expected between October and December. The Kenyan strategy involves mapping high-risk zones, preparing for population evacuations, and reinforcing community-level early-warning systems with rapid-response teams on standby.