Former Yatta MP, Francis Mwangangi has challenged various government agencies to rise to the occasion and deal with emergencies related to climate change.

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Mwangangi said the adverse effects of heavy rains being witnessed in many parts of the country should be mitigated to prevent deaths and loss of property.

Speaking to this writer on the phone on Wednesday, Mwangangi said both county and national government agencies responsible for emergency services must be on stand-by to ensure regions ravaged by floods are effectively and appropriately covered.

“It is the obligation of various government agencies to map out potential risk areas and put measures in place to prevent loss of lives and destruction of property,” Mwangangi said.

Mwangangi challenged the National Assembly to develop a legal framework which will pave way for a bill aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

“It is common knowledge that what we are going through is as a result of effects of climate change, which is a global phenomenon. Parliament should work towards making laws which will help Kenya sail through the phenomenon with minimal suffering of our people,” Mwangangi said.

He asked the 47 county governments to initiate and encourage tree planting culture, and at the same time discourage deforestation.