ODM Secretary-General and Busia County Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has urged residents across the Western region, particularly those in Busia County, to take early precautions amid the possibility of heavy El Niño rains.

Omanyo has particularly cautioned residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and relocate to higher and safer grounds before water levels rise.

*We are expecting heavy rains, and I want to urge our people, especially those living in low-lying areas and near rivers, to take this warning seriously. Please do not wait until the water has risen before moving. If you live in a flood-prone area, relocate early to higher and safer ground. Let us protect our families, our children, and our property by taking precautionary measures in good time. " SG Catherine Omanyo

Areas that have historically faced significant flood risks in Busia include Bunyala South, Bunyala Central, and Bunyala North, particularly communities around the River Nzoia floodplain. The Kenya Meteorological Department has also identified parts of Samia and Busia Central along the River Sio and its tributaries as areas requiring caution, while Malaba South in Teso North is vulnerable to flooding linked to the Malaba and Malakisi rivers.

Other vulnerable areas include parts of River Sio and Odiria village in Chakol North -Teso South, where flash floods can occur along streams.

The warning comes as the government continues to strengthen measures to mitigate flooding in the country.

Meanwhile, Omanyo says her office has also launched an economic empowerment programme targeting residents at the grassroots, with a special focus on supporting widows to improve their livelihoods.

"My office has started an empowerment programme targeting our people at the grassroots. We want to make sure that our communities, especially our widows and other vulnerable groups, have an opportunity to improve their livelihoods. We will continue working with them and supporting initiatives that can help them become economically independent and improve the welfare of their families.” ~ SG Catherine Omanyo