Why Is This El Niño Considered the Strongest on Record?
In Nairobi, a city of rivers and streams housing nearly six million residents, workers known as the Green Armyare actively preparing to mitigate the impact of the strongest El Niño event on record. For weeks, Kenya's capital has braced for potentially catastrophic flooding, as global forecasters predict this year's Super El Niño will peak in November or December.
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Climate scientists warn that the current El Niño is the most intense on record, driven by unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures. This phenomenon typically brings heavy rains to East Africa, and Nairobi's infrastructure is under severe strain. The city's drainage systems, often clogged with debris, are being aggressively cleared by the Green Army to prevent water from pooling in low-lying neighborhoods.
How Is the Green Army Coordinating With National Agencies?
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to monitor weather alerts and prepare emergency kits. Local authorities have set up temporary shelters and distribution points for supplies, anticipating that peak rainfall could trigger flash floods in the coming weeks.
The Green Army operates under the Nairobi City County government but coordinates closely with Kenya's Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the National Environment Management Authority. This multi-agency approach ensures that flood prevention, waste management, and emergency logistics are aligned. Workers are deployed across all seven sub-counties, with special focus on areas near the Ngong River and other waterways.
The effort includes planting fast-growing vegetation to stabilize soil, installing silt fences, and running public awareness campaigns. These measures aim to reduce runoff and protect vulnerable communities from sudden water surges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Army? The Green Army is a municipal workforce in Nairobi responsible for urban greening, drainage maintenance, and flood mitigation. They clear clogged channels and reinforce banks ahead of peak El Niño rains.
When will the Super El Niño peak? Forecasters predict the strongest El Niño event on record will peak in November or December. Nairobi is bracing for the heaviest rainfall during this window.
Which areas of Nairobi are most at risk? Low-lying neighborhoods near the Ngong River and other urban waterways face the highest flood risk. The Green Army has prioritized these zones for drainage clearing and bank reinforcement.