Residents of Garissa living along River Tana have been urged to move to safer grounds to avoid possible flooding caused by the current rainfall.
In the past residents have been marooned by the floods causing displacement and destruction of property.
In other instances, human and livestock lives have been lost.
According to the metrological department, the current rainfall in Central region (Embu, Meru, Muranga, Nyeri and Kiambu, among others might impact negatively resulting in floods.
A spotcheck in Mororo settlement showed that River Tana has overflown, finding its way into the settlements.
The water catchment areas in the Lagas which may lead to significant rise in Tana water level include Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere dam.
The met department has further advised residents to move livestock and humans to higher grounds.
Residents should also avoid crossing any moving water, harvest rain water and relocate equipment to safe areas.
Relevant disaster management institutions have also been called upon to strengthen coordination through defining the emergency decision framework.
This is by strengthening coordination among emergency actors.
Speaking to the press in Garissa office on Wednesday, Kenya Red Cross Northeastern regional manager Abdikadir urged communities living along the river to take precaution to avoid displacements.
“We are seeing water in River Tana rising by the day. This is clear indication that there will be flooding in the areas along the river," Abdikadir said.
He said that the organisation was on standby mode to attend to any incident if and when they arise, including providing assorted items to affected families.
The Red Cross said that they have, in the past, commissioned an emergency operation centre for disaster management in conjunction with the county.
Speaking separately, Kenya Livestock Farmers Federation chairman Dubat Amey appealed to the national government and county to remain proactive and act on time to avoid losses like it has happened in previous years.
Last week, the meteorological department warned of heavy rains from December 20 to December 22.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
