The Kilifi County government has launched a central emergency operation center in readiness for the coming El nino rains and other disasters.

Governor Gideon Mung’aro while launching the center at Matsangoni area in Kilifi North Sub County has revealed that his administration was seeking a Sh. 930 million budget for the Kilifi County Floods Contingency Plan.

“As you know, the country is aware of the fact that very soon we shall be experiencing the El nino rains and I appeal to stakeholders and partners to help us raise the Sh. 930 budget so that we can have resources and capacity to respond to El nino emergencies,” he said.

The Matsangoni Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will be used to coordinate rescue, evacuation and emergencies services across the county and residents in distress have been provided with a toll free number to call in case of an emergency within their locality.

It is a one command center where all emergencies will be coordinated fully equipped with state of the art equipment including a call center.

The Chief Officer for disaster management Irene Opicha said that the management of disasters in the county will go a long way in protecting life and property and hence cushion residents from losses occasioned by calamities.

“We are changing the face of disaster management in the county and we have roped in various partners including NGOs and the Kenya Red Cross. You will be able to make a call to the center and emergency response team near you will swiftly respond,” she said.

The Assistant County Commissioner (ACC)  Matsangoni division Patricia Dama urged residents with dilapidated latrines and toilets to reconstruct or reinforce them before the coming of the rains. She said that floods are expected and that the water will definitely flow through homesteads hence affecting latrines.

“Those with weak latrines should reconstruct them because the rains that are coming will be intense and the toilets might get washed away and bring about water borne and communicable diseases,” she said.