The Kenya Meteorological Services has sounded the alarm with a heavy rainfall advisory extending from Friday and spanning through the weekend.
Dr. David Gikungu, the Director of the Met. Department, delivered a cautionary statement on Thursday, outlining the impending deluge set to hit various regions across 46 counties.
This forecast warns of the likelihood of intense rainfall accompanied by the looming threat of floods in areas such as Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Coastal region.
According to Dr. Gikungu, the rainfall, which has already resulted in loss of lives and property, is expected to intensify over a two-day period, beginning on April 25th, 2024, before gradually subsiding by April 28th, 2024.
The forecast predicts precipitation exceeding 40mm within a 24-hour window, with particular emphasis on the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, the Southeast Lowlands, the Coast, and the Northern sector.
Furthermore, the situation is expected to escalate with rainfall intensifying to more than 50mm within 24 hours in the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Southeast Lowlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Coastal region from April 26th to 27th, 2024.
Counties bracing for the impact of these heavy rains include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Narok, among others.
Regions such as Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are also on high alert.
Dr. Gikungu has emphasized the need for residents in these areas to exercise caution and preparedness against potential flooding, poor visibility, gusty winds, large ocean waves, and strong southerly winds, especially in the South Eastern region.
He has further advised the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding driving or walking through flooded areas, steering clear of sheltering under trees or near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
Additionally, he urged caution near water bodies, as water levels in rivers, lakes, and dams are expected to remain high, posing a risk of sudden surges even in areas where rainfall has ceased. Strong winds are also forecasted to potentially cause structural damage, including roof blow-offs and uprooting of trees, while large waves could disrupt marine activities.
