The Ministry of Health on Friday warned the public of increased danger from collapsing buildings and damaged infrastructure during the ongoing long rains.
The ministry says prolonged rainfall can weaken foundations, trigger floods and landslides, and threaten roads and bridges.
Health authorities are urging vigilance, safer construction practices, emergency preparedness and immediate medical response to prevent injuries and protect public health.
Health officials are urging members of the public, property owners and local communities to take precautionary safety measures to reduce the risk of trauma and accidents linked to weakened structures.
The advisory calls on residents to avoid occupying buildings that appear cracked, flooded or structurally unsafe.
Landlords and property owners have also been encouraged to conduct structural inspections and repair weaknesses such as damaged walls, cracks and compromised foundations.
They warn that ignoring visible structural defects during periods of heavy rainfall could expose residents to serious danger.
The ministry has also advised developers and property owners to avoid construction on unstable slopes, riparian zones and areas prone to flooding.
Such locations are particularly vulnerable during periods of sustained rainfall and may increase the risk of landslides and structural failure.
Communities have been urged to follow safety advisories issued by national and county governments, including guidance from the National Disaster Operations Centre and other emergency authorities regarding evacuation from high-risk areas.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to report visible structural risks or signs of infrastructure damage to local authorities as soon as possible.
The ministry says early reporting of hazards can help authorities intervene quickly and potentially prevent serious accidents.
In the event that a building or infrastructure collapse occurs, the advisory urges individuals to move away immediately from the affected structure to avoid falling debris or additional collapse.
Emergency responders such as police officers, firefighters and county disaster response teams should be contacted as soon as possible to assist with rescue operations.
The ministry also cautions the public against attempting risky rescues in unstable structures, noting that trained emergency teams are better equipped to conduct search and rescue operations safely.
If someone gets trapped following a collapse, witnesses are advised to reassure the victim while informing rescue teams of the individual’s location.
The Ministry of Health also outlined key first aid measures that communities can use while awaiting professional medical assistance.
Individuals who suffer injuries during a collapse should seek medical attention immediately at the nearest health facility.
Where possible, members of the public may provide basic first aid assistance by controlling bleeding with a clean cloth or bandage and immobilising suspected fractures while avoiding unnecessary movement of injured persons.
The ministry emphasised that breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, severe bleeding or head injuries require urgent medical attention and immediate transport to a health facility.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni also warned of secondary public health risks that may arise following building collapses or flooding.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with contaminated floodwater or debris, which may contain harmful bacteria or hazardous materials.
Ensuring access to safe drinking water and maintaining proper sanitation is also considered critical in preventing waterborne diseases during the rainy season.
The advisory also urges the public to dispose of debris safely and to avoid contact with exposed electrical wires or damaged gas systems that could create additional hazards.
Maintaining hygiene when assisting injured persons is also important in reducing the risk of infection.
Community preparedness has been highlighted as another key element of preventing injuries and saving lives during the long rains.
Residents have been encouraged to identify safe evacuation routes and community assembly points in case emergency relocation becomes necessary.
Local communities are also being advised to establish alert systems to warn residents about structural hazards and dangerous conditions.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities during evacuation or emergency response.
The ministry also acknowledged the psychological impact that disasters such as building collapses can have on individuals and communities.
People affected by such incidents have been encouraged to seek psychosocial support and counselling services available at health facilities or through community support networks.