- Migori and Garissa counties have suffered from flooding in the last 24 hours.
- Lakes Victoria and Baringo are projected to continue causing backflow and flooding of counties in the basins of the two water bodies.
Image: FILE
Rainfall will persist in 17 counties in Central, Rift Valley, Western and Eastern regions, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has announced.
In a flood advisory as of May 15, 2024, the ministry said rains will continue in Nyandarua, Nyeri, Muranga, Kiambu, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Narok, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu.
“Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas and urban areas while landslides/mudslides may occur in areas with steep slopes, escarpments and ravines,” the ministry warned.
The ministry added that lakes Victoria and Baringo are projected to continue causing backflow and flooding of counties in the basins of the two water bodies.
“Overflow of the Seven Forks Dams still poses to exacerbate flooding in the Tana Delta and impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties,” it added.
They noted that Migori and Garissa counties have suffered from flooding in the last 24 hours.
“The Tana Delta (Tana River, Garissa, Lamu) is also flooding owing to heavy rains in the Central region catchment area. The landslide was recorded in Kiambu County,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that 289 people have lost their lives due to severe weather conditions, a cumulative 188 people have been reported injured and 75 are currently missing.
It said 72 primary and 23 secondary schools in various Counties have been adversely affected by the heavy rains and flooding will have their opening delayed.
“No vehicles are allowed on bridges that have been considered unsafe for use and on roads that have been marked as risky. All chiefs and assistant chiefs to keep watch of river and bridge crossings to sensitise on hazardous areas and curtail activities such as children swimming in flooded zones,” the advisory read.
It said a nationwide assessment of all dams has been conducted and 192 dams were identified to be high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (five), and Nyanza (four).
Ministry added that favourable weather forecasted in the North Eastern (Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa) North Western (Turkana, Marsabit) and South Eastern (Taita Taveta, Kitui, Tana River) regions sets the stage for post-flood recovery initiatives in public works, the reconstruction of schools, repairs to water treatment systems, road repairs and improvements to the accessibility of social and economic facilities.