Kenya Met Department Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert for Nairobi, Kiambu, and Other Regions
Motorists in Nairobi, Kenya disrupted by Heavy Rains
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a major advisory warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across several parts of the country starting Thursday, October 23. The department warned that the increased rainfall would have massive impacts in the daily lives, infrastructure and mobility, especially in Nairobi, Kiambu and other areas that were at a high risk.
The weatherman, in the seven-day forecast that was made between the 23rd and 30th of October, noted that some areas in Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley were already receiving the rain with increased intensity anticipated in the next few days. KMD reported that the amount of rainfall would surpass 30 millimetres in 24 hours which is the amount of rain that may lead to flash floods and landslides.
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The advisory also added that the pattern of rainfall will slowly move to the east touching the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Counties of Nairobi and the areas surrounding it. The rains will be experienced in North Eastern Kenya areas beginning October 30 and it is the beginning of the October-December short rain season in the regions.
The counties that are estimated to have above average rains are Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Narok, Baringo and West Pokot. Other areas prone to the same are Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Samburu, Isiola Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera. In Kenya, the counties that are affected are Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi and Nairobi and portions of Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni.
KMD also urged people in these areas to be cautious since the downpour might result in floods and landslides, especially in low lying regions and steep slopes. The department emphasized the fact that floodwaters may emerge even where the flow of water has not been vast, particularly in the start of the rivers and drainage systems.
The department also advised the people living in the landslide prone zones, particularly the Aberdare Ranges area, Mount Kenya and other hilly regions of Western Kenya to be on watch and report any suspected ground movements or cracks, which could be indicative of a landslide.
The challenges with draining in the city of Nairobi have been of great concern to the authorities, especially because the city has experienced continuous drainage problems causing massive urban flooding especially during rainy seasons. In the past, the effect of seasonal rains has been intensified by blocked drains, improperly constructed construction, and inadequate stormwater infrastructure which have in turn caused damages of properties, traffic jam and even loss of life.
Drivers have been advised not to drive over flowing or stagnant floods as this is very dangerous. Even the shallow floods, KMD cautioned could carry away the vehicles or even cover up the manholes and other road hazards. Equally, pedestrians were encouraged not to walk in flooded places or along stormwater drainage where heavy currents may easily turn out to be fatal.
The department also alerted the masses to be cautious in times of thunderstorms. It is recommended that people avoid open fields, high trees and power lines because lightning attacks are still considered as a significant risk during severe rains.
Kenya Meteorological Department stressed on preparedness and asked the local authorities and disaster response agencies to be proactive, including clearing drainage systems, ensuring emergency shelters are available and giving communities in flood-prone areas timely warnings.
It was advised that the farmers utilize the rainfall to engage in farming, but they should take precautions to avoid soil erosion and crop losses as a result of waterlogging. With the country gearing up to the beginning of the rain season, the department renewed its interest in providing updates and forecasts continuously in order to ensure Kenyans made informed decisions and reduced the negative impacts of the weather.
