Floods to affect parts of Rift Valley, Western, Central, Nyanza regions

NAIROBI, KENYA: Residents of parts of Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western and Central parts of the country are asked to stay alert as flash floods are expected from Wednesday 11 October 2017.

In an advisory statement, Meteorological department says heavy rainfall of more than 50mm is likely to occur this evening in some areas of counties around the South Rift Valley region and parts of Aberdares Ranges.

On Thursday 12, the area under threat may extend to more areas of Western Kenya, Central Rift Valley, and the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya highlands. A similar situation may be experienced on Friday but may be confined to fewer areas around the Mt. Elgon resulting to cases of isolated flooding.

“This evening, the counties likely to receive rains are; Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, parts of Narok and of the Aberdares with an epicenter in South Rift Valley,” reads the statement. “On Thursday, the epicenter will shift to the central Rift Valley and Western Kenya with the affected counties being; Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Laikipia, parts of Samburu, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Migori, Nakuru, and parts of Narok. On Friday, this may remain in counties around Mt. Elgon,” adds the statement.

The Meteorological Department says residents in all areas need to watch out for flash floods as some areas which were previously dry may receive heavy rainfall during the late afternoon and the night.

Ponds and large bodies of moving water may suddenly appear in unlikely places.