Met department says long rains to continue up to June

Heavy rains will continue until June, the Meteorological Department has announced, adding that water levels have surpassed their initial projections.

Regions that will experience enhanced rainfall characterised by heavy storms include Western, North-western, Central and parts of South-eastern.

“The winds have brought excess moisture from the ocean and the rains have continued to pound most parts of the country,” said Ali Ramtu, Uasin Gishu County director of Met Services.

A number of rivers have burst their banks due to the long rains. In Uasin Gishu, water levels increased from 180 millimetres to 250 millimetres this month alone.

“The rains are here and farmers are in a dilemma because their machines are not able to plough in the wet soil. We hope farmers will make good use of the flowing water by storing it,” Mr Ramtu told The Standard by phone.

In Turkana County, River Kawalase also burst its banks, rendering roads impassable.

And in Elgeyo Marakwet County, mudslides and rock falls were reported in several parts, with authorities advising locals to move to safer areas.

“The threshold of rainfall that can trigger landslides has been surpassed and a little more can wreak havoc for thousands of residents living there,” said County Director of Meteorological Services Simon Cheptot.

He said several cracks were visible in some areas and it was advisable for people to move to prevent disasters. Already, the floods have destroyed water pipes supplying water to Cheptarit Primary and Cheliget Secondary schools.

“Residents have planted on hilltops, which is prohibited, making the escarpment susceptible to landslides. A thorough conservation strategy should be put in place,” he said.

Landslide-prone areas in Marakwet East sub-county include Embolot, Embotut, Endo, Kaben and Mumol. In Marakwet West sub-county they are Kapcherop, Chebororwa and Kipsaya.

In Keiyo North, parts of Kapchemutwa, Anin and Keu are also prone to landslides.