FLOODS & MOSQUITOES; WHY KAREN WAS SPARED BUT RUNDA HIT HARD.
The recent heavy rains that poured on most parts of the country are still a very fresh memory. They caused a lot of deaths and considerable damage to properties and households. This left most people having to deal with emotional and financial losses weeks later.
The upscale neighborhood of Runda was not spared either. Its proximity to the Ruaka River and high concrete walls made it particularly vulnerable to flooding. The stagnant waters became breeding grounds for swarms of mosquitoes too. In contrast, the neighboring affluent area of Karen Area was spared and remained dry and mosquito free even as Runda suffered greatly.
In Runda, the Ruaka river which is crucial for the area, overflowed its banks and thus filling homes and streets. The encroachment on Riparian land, and unauthorized construction near the river reduced its capacity to handle heavy rainfall and its effectiveness of any natural flood mitigation measures. Homes built too close to the river blocked natural water flow paths, leading to severe flooding.
Karen in contrast, located on higher ground and having a more favorable topography and efficient drainage systems designed to channel water away from residential areas, prevented the flooding. However, in some parts of Karen though, with the houses having high concrete walls structured, the water collected and pooled around making it a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Another factor that contributed to the flooding was Runda’s rapid urbanization which led to reduced natural land cover, increasing surface runoff and the risk of flooding during heavy rains. The area’s growth is outpacing its infrastructure, lost green spaces and natural buffers, leaving it ill-prepared to deal with heavy rains. Karen on the other hand, has green spaces with less walls and urban planning that includes well-designed drainage systems that absorb excess rainwater and allows free flow of water.
In conclusion, the flooding and mosquito infestations in Runda highlighted a critical need for strategic urban planning, strict enforcement of land regulations and investment in robust infrastructure that can withstand unforeseen natural disasters like flooding and as a preventive measure. The contrasting experiences between Runda and Karen provided valuable lessons. Learning from these events, its crucial for policymakers, urban planners and the community to work together to implement sustainable solutions. This proactive approach will help mitigate the risk of floods and disease outbreak and enhance overall quality of life for residents.
