{
  "id": 12108724,
  "title": "El Niño alert: Garissa stocks food across all 12 sub-counties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/el-nino-alert-garissa-stocks-food-across-all-12-sub-counties",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T08:29:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/el-nino-alert-garissa-stocks-food-across-all-12-sub-counties"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Garissa County has prepositioned food supplies in all 12 sub-counties as part of preparations for potential disruptions caused by the El Niño rains expected this month. The county commissioner, John Cheruiyot, announced that each sub-county has received supplies, including rice and beans, to ensure residents can access food locally if transport and supply chains are disrupted by heavy rains. The government stored the food in various locations, including remote areas like Liboi, to facilitate quick distribution, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Cheruiyot emphasized that residents can access the food at their respective sub-county offices should the need arise. He explained that the government's proactive measures are in response to experts' predictions that El Niño rains could intensify by the middle of October. The preparedness is crucial as East Africa anticipates a shift from drought conditions to a potentially wetter weather pattern between October and December. A Crop Monitor for Early Warning report released earlier this month warned of above-normal rainfall across Kenya and other East African nations, with the potential for flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks, and transportation disruptions. The report highlighted northeastern and southeastern Kenya, as well as the Tana River basin, as areas at elevated risk of flash or riverine flooding. Despite the forecasted rains, which could provide relief to drought-affected communities, excessive rainfall poses risks for farmers and communities. Garissa's decision to preposition food aims to mitigate the potential shortage of food items if transport becomes difficult or goods are unable to move, ensuring that residents can continue to access essential supplies.",
  "summary": "Garissa County has prepositioned food supplies across all 12 sub-counties as the government prepares for possible disruptions caused by the El Niño rains expected this month. Garissa County Commissioner John Cheruiyot said the move was aimed at ensuring residents can access food locally if heavy rains disrupt transport and supply chains. Speaking on Monday, October […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}