Kenyan churches were preparing their communities for extreme rainfall in October, as weather experts warned of a possible El-Nino phenomenon.

The clerics were working to ensure that the people can cope with potential deadly floods, mudslides, and displacement associated with the climatic condition. When these have occurred, churches and church institutions have often become centres of refuge and care for affected populations.

On October 18, rainstorms struck northwest Tanzania, destroying a Roman Catholic church. Some flooding has also occurred in Somalia, with people, assets, and infrastructure being affected.

Anglican Bishop Daniel Qampicha Wario of Marsabit Diocese in Kenya said the church was sensitising the people on the need to take necessary safeguards in case of the El-Nino rains.

“We are telling them to divert water away from their homes,” Wario said. “We are advising the community to harvest rainwater and also plant food crops on their farms.”

Bishop Johnes Ole Meliyio of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church said the churches were passing a simple message that there are predictions of extreme rains and safety is necessary.

“We are telling those who are living near rivers to move to higher ground,” he said. “We are telling them to use the heavy rains for their benefits, especially food production.”

(WCC)