STORY: Kenya to set up emergency response team over El Nino
DATELINE: Sept. 20, 2023
LENGTH: 0:02:01
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of arrivals of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
2. various of the conference
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RIGATHI GACHAGUA, Kenya's Deputy President
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RIGATHI GACHAGUA, Kenya's Deputy President
5. various of floods in Kenya (file)

STORYLINE:

Kenya is set to convene the National Emergency Response Committee to deliberate on the country's preparedness for the expected El Nino rains.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday stated that the committee will develop strategies to mitigate possible devastation that may be caused by the anticipated heavy rain season.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RIGATHI GACHAGUA, Kenya's Deputy President
"Next week I will be convening the National Emergency Response Committee that I chair with all government agencies, development partners, the Red Cross, international organizations, and all other stakeholders to discuss our preparedness for the expected El Nino rains."

Gachagua called for cross-sector collaboration in preparing for any disaster that may be caused by the heavy rains.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RIGATHI GACHAGUA, Kenya's Deputy President
"In our march against climate change, we cannot afford to lose lives, we cannot afford to lose livelihoods. In improved technology, we have an opportunity to work together in better early warning systems of consolidated and effective action. For instance, in our country and across Africa and the world, predictions indicate that we may experience El Nino rains between September to January 2024. We invite you to work with us as we set up and implement measures to prevent possible tragedies."

The Kenya Meteorological Department last week released a weather forecast warning that heavy rains are expected this year from September to January 2024.

He further announced that the government is seeking to enhance its partnership with the Red Cross Society in strengthening the capacity of state agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)