Kenya monitoring flood risk
21/06/2010
Water level monitors have been installed on the banks of the Nzoia river in Kenya to alert officials of potential floods.
Irin News reports that thousands of people living near the waterway in the Budalangi region constantly have to deal with damage to their properties when the river regularly bursts its banks.
Webuye, Rwabwa and Sigomre along the river basin are the main locations for the devices, which will help locals to become better prepared by receiving news of any potential floods.
Daniel Maina, flood management co-ordinator with the Western Kenya Flood Mitigation Project, said: "The sensors are installed at a bridge, and have a GPRS [general packet radio service] modem that is solar-powered. You just call the modem ... and get feedback on water levels."
The Daily Nation recently reported that Kenyan farmers may be able to prevent a repeat of the recent maize crisis thanks to research that found the cause of aflatoxin contamination among crops.
Written by Simon Bassett
