By JOB WERU
Kenya: The Meteorological Department has advised people settled in regions prone to floods, mudslides and landslides to vacate.
The department said long rains are expected to continue until the end of next month.
Director of meteorology in charge of Central, Nguatah Francis, said the rain pattern was so far impressive, noting that the levels are expected to rise by mid this month.
“The rain belt is in Congo at the moment, heading towards Tanzania as it moves towards this region (Kenya)” said Nguatah.
The weatherman noted that some regions in Kajiado had started experiencing floods due to increased rains, while more is expected in Ukambani, Baringo and Samburu regions.
A brief prepared by the department indicated that by March 31, most parts of the country had picked up in terms of rainfall activity, while this had reduced in Garissa, Voi and Suba compared to the previous five-day period.
“Daytime temperatures decreased in the whole country except in Thika, Nyeri and Malindi, while night-time temperatures increased in some areas and deceased in others,” read the brief in part.
The report indicated that Mandera Meteorological Station recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 37.5 degrees Centigrade, while Nyahururu station recorded the lowest daily minimum temperature of 7.4 degrees on March 27.
Nguatah said heavy rains had started pounding various areas in Murang’a, especially Karurumo area, and people living in sloppy areas have been directed to move to safer grounds.
Nguatah said Murang’a and Mukurweini in central Kenya were hit by perennial mudslides and landslides, adding that if the rains continue as scheduled, tragedies were likely to occur.
In 2011, two siblings died in Mukurweini after a mudslide hit their house while they were asleep. Several incidents of landslides have been reported in Murang’a County.
