Prepare for heavy rains and floods, Weatherman warns

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains expected in various parts of the country.

The main areas of concern are Narok, Kajiado, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya. Others are Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Machakos and Makueni.

According to the Weatherman, the rains are expected to escalate from November 29 to December 4, 2019. The rainfall is expected to continue for the entire season but with occasional breaks.

“The wet weather that is being experienced over southern and western parts of the country is expected to continue this week. Heavy rainfall of more than 30 mm in 24hrs is expected as from Friday, November 29, 2019, over the South Rift, Central Rift and Nyanza Regions. The heavy rainfall is likely to spread over parts of Central Kenya, Nairobi, South East lowlands on Tuesday, December 3, 2019,” said Met Kenya.

The Meteorological department has asked residents to be on the lookout for floods.

Heavy rainfall that is being experienced across the country has led to overflowing in most rivers and the grounds are already saturated with water. Flooding and landslides may, therefore, be triggered by any substantial amount of rainfall in low-lying areas and over hilly grounds.

“Floodwaters may suddenly appear even in places, particularly lowlands, where it has not rained heavily and can be deeper and faster than they look. Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields, and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes. People in landslide-prone areas especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya and other hilly areas over the western region should be on high alert,” warned the Weatherman.

Residents carry goods across Weiwei River in West Pokot County. Weiwei bridge was damaged by floods. Sebit bridge was also washed away cutting off transport between Kitale and Lodwar. [Kevin Tunoi, Standard]

Last weekend, three West Pokot villages were rocked by catastrophic landslides that killed at least 41 people.

Residents had ignored warnings to move to safer areas, county meteorological department has said.

West Pokot Director of Meteorological Services Wilson Lonyang’ole said locals including those living in Nyarkulian, Parua, Sepit and Muino villages ravaged by the Friday night landslides had been asked to vacate the area in an alert issued on Tuesday last week.

“We gave our advisory, asking people to keep off the highland areas until when the rains subside. Some of them heeded the advice but others unfortunately ignored,” Lonyang’ole said.