People residing along the upper and lower river basins have been urged to be alert over possible flash floods.
This is after the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (Tarda) warned of possible flooding due to the ongoing heavy rains.
Tarda in a statement on Thursday warned that heavy rains within the Nyambene Hills catchment area have resulted in a significant increase in the flow of water in Tana River.
"Communities residing within the lower and upper Tana basins must heed the warnings that have been issued by the relevant authorities and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their families and property," Tarda said in the statement.
This is even as the latest forecast from the Kenya Metrological Department released on April 5 predicted that heavy rainfall will persist, heightening the risk of flooding across the region.
Tarda has warned that the heavy rains have caused a substantial rise in the Tana River flow overtopping the banks at Garissa and inundating the adjacent areas towards the Tana Delta.
"The rapid surge in water levels along the Tana River at Garissa has surpassed the 4-metre flood alarm threshold by over 1 metre within the last 24 hours," Tarda warned.
Some of the counties likely to be affected by possible flooding include Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Makueni, Embu, Kitui, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri.
The authority has further warned that Mount Kenya and Aberdare catchments have witnessed substantial rainfall leading to swift rises in the levels of seven forks dams.
According to the data, Masinga and Kiambere dam levels were reported at 1.41m and 1.03 m respectively below their full supply capacity as of April 9 at 5 pm.
"Tarda is actively monitoring the dam levels along the Tana River ensuring the safety and well-being of all communities in the area," it said.
"In light of these developments, therefore we urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared," it advised.
Tarda has reiterated its commitment to working in collaboration with various stakeholders from various sectors to assess the flood situation.
It will then provide essential advice on relocating to safer areas in collaboration with relevant agencies.
This comes after the Met department advised people living around Lake Victoria should prepare for possible flooding this week.
The Met department said areas around Lake Victoria, where some residents have already been displaced, will continue to experience heavy afternoon rains.
