The Mombasa County Government has issued a flood alert and mobilised disaster response teams across the county following continued heavy rainfall that has increased the risk of flooding in several areas.

County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Disaster Management, Daniel Manyala, said the county has established emergency teams in all sub-counties and wards to monitor vulnerable areas and respond quickly to incidents related to flooding.

The teams comprise officials from the county government, local administrators and humanitarian organisations including the Kenya Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance Kenya.

According to Manyala, the teams will be stationed within communities to help detect potential dangers early and assist residents in case of emergencies.

The county government has urged residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer ground if water levels begin to rise. Residents have also been cautioned against attempting to cross flooded roads or waterlogged areas on foot or using vehicles.

“Residents should leave any area showing signs of danger such as pooling water or unstable ground,” Manyala said.

To improve emergency coordination, the county has launched a special disaster response hotline 1599, which residents can use to report incidents and seek assistance.

Several areas across the county have been identified as high-risk zones during heavy rainfall. Residents in Vikobani, Mwamlai, Runyu and Kashani have been advised to remain alert as rivers in these locations are known to overflow when rains intensify.

Other areas of concern include Dimbwini in Likoni, which has historically experienced flooding during heavy rainfall.

In Kalahari in Changamwe, authorities warned that drainage water from the surrounding areas flows through the settlement on its way to the ocean, increasing the risk of flooding during prolonged rains. Residents have therefore been advised to move to higher ground if water levels rise.

Meanwhile, Kwa She in Jomvu has been flagged as an area that may experience severe soil erosion and possible ground collapse during heavy rains.

The county government has also warned residents about potential electrical hazards during floods. Residents have been advised to report any electricity poles that appear unstable or at risk of falling through the emergency hotline.

Authorities further cautioned against illegal electricity connections, warning that water combined with exposed electrical wiring can lead to fatal accidents.

Residents have also been urged to exercise caution when walking through standing water, which may conceal open pits or uncovered manholes whose covers may have been stolen.

County officials said efforts are ongoing to identify and seal such hazards but urged residents to remain vigilant as the rainy weather continues.