Local news - 12.3.14 - By Mary Tioko - Meteorological Department issues early warning systems for the expected long rains within Turkana County

The Officer in charge of Lodwar Meteorological department Mr. Joshua Manuari reported that long rains are expected in the 1^st  and 2^nd week of April and that the rains will be normal and above normal which will cause flooding. Mr. Manuari asked residents to be prepared for the coming rains in all aspects by preparing their farms and Pastoralists to guard their animals so as not to be washed away by floods. He also cautioned residents living near riverside areas to be cautious and be ready to move to safer grounds to avoid disasters. Addressing the participants during Media houses and humanitarian actor’s workshop on lifeline communication at CEAMO Hotel Lodwar today, the National Drought Management Authority coordinator Mr. Julius Taigong said that the County Government has intervened in the drought situation by distributing relief food to the affected population joining the efforts of the other humanitarian organizations responding on the same.  He also added that the training for the team is aimed at improving the relationship between the media sector and the humanitarian actors for better coordination of early warning systems during the dissemination so as to improve the response for all affected population. The workshop which was organized by the County Government of Turkana, BBC Media Action Group and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) brought together 40 participants drawn from various media houses within the county and representatives of the Humanitarian organizations operating in the county.