Residents living in hotspot counties will continue experiencing heavy flooding until early December as a result of the prevailing El Nino rains
In a statement on Sunday, Water Resources Authority CEO Reuben Ngessa said counties currently experiencing flooding will continue receiving substantial amounts of rains until December 2.
"Most parts of the Country have continued to receive substantial amounts of rainfall in the last seven days. The Mid and Lower Tana River basin, parts of the Ewaso Ng'iro North basin and the coastal strip have therefore remained inundated," Ngessa said.
"According to KMD forecast, the rains are expected to continue into the month of December 2023. Subsequently, flooding is expected to escalate in the already exposed areas of Garissa, Tana River, Coastal strip, Wajir, Mandera and Isiolo Counties."
Ngessa said other areas to be on the lookout are the flood-prone areas within the Lake Victoria and Rift Valley basins.
He added that water levels in the Tana River at Garissa have remained above the flood alarm threshold of four meters by more than two meters in the last 24 hours.
"Data from KenGen indicate that Masinga and Kiambere dam levels were 7.60m and 1.25m respectively below full supply capacity on November 26, 2023," he said.
The CEO advised Kenyans to evacuate to higher safer grounds using safe routes.
He said data from KenGen indicate that Kiambere, the last dam in the seven-forks cascade, is almost reaching the full supply capacity and may overflow anytime.
Ngessa further advised dam owners/operators across the country to notify and protect downstream inhabitants, infrastructure and environments from dam release (planned or accidental).
They should also ensure the spillways are properly maintained and free of any obstruction to attain their full design spill capacity.
Kenyans have also been told to approach river crossings with utmost caution and to beware of open channels or manholes.
Ngessa further cautioned against crossing flooded waters either on foot or in a vehicle.
