- WRA advised the public to strictly adhere to the cautionary measures issued for their safety.
- This includes moving away from river flood plains and evacuating to higher safer grounds using safer routes.
Image: FILE
The Water Resources Authority has issued a flood and dam safety advisory in light of continued heavy rains in most parts of the country that have so far claimed more than 100 lives.
The authority says water levels in most rivers have remained above the flood alarm levels while most dams in the country are full thus posing a risk of flooding due to spillage.
It said areas of concern are Athi Basin which covers Nairobi and coastal Athi to Mombasa and Tana River system, Lake Victoria Basin and rivers in Rift Valley and Ewaso Ng’iro which are experiencing high flows.
“The situation is reflected in all the high-risk dams in other basin areas in Lake Victoria, Rift Valley, Athi and Ewaso Ng’iro North,” WRA said.
The authority said as of Monday, April 29, all the 7-forks hydro-electric dams comprising Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere were overflowing and spilling over into downstream areas.
The inflows to the dams from Mt Kenya and the Aberdare have remained very high, the authority said in the advisory for April 29 to May 9.
WRA advised the public to strictly adhere to the cautionary measures issued for their safety.
This includes moving away from river flood plains and evacuating to higher safer grounds using safer routes.
It also advised that while moving, people should be aware of open channels and manholes and to approach river crossings with utmost caution.
“Do not cross flooded rivers and laggas either on foot or in a vehicle. Communities downstream of dams should remain vigilant and adhere to alerts from the authorities,” the authority said.
The advisory came on a day at least 45 people died Monday morning after a blocked old railway tunnel in Old Kijabe Town gave way following days of heavy rains.
Naivasha OCPD Stephen Kirui said that of the 45 bodies recovered from different locations, 17 were minors.
“The gushing waters flooded sections of the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu and Narok-Mai Mahiu road where some of the bodies were recovered,” the police boss said.
The Water Resources Authority said the responsibility for dam safety lies with dam owners pursuant to Regulation 21 of the Water Harvesting and Storage Regulation, 2021.
“All dam owners/operators across the country are therefore required to comply with all the procedures and legislation on dam safety,” it said.
It said dam owners and operators are bound by the regulations to conduct periodic dam inspections, notify and protect downstream inhabitants and ensure the spillways are properly maintained and free of any obstruction.