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the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams still poses a flooding risk in the Tana Delta impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.
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Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas and urban areas while landslides/mudslides may occur in areas with steep slopes.
Image: JOHN CHESOLI
The government on Tuesday warned of expected heavy rains, landslides and flooding especially in areas around water bodies.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura warned of potential floods in the Lake Victoria basin, the Lake Baringo basin, the North Eastern regions and the North Coastal regions.
He said Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo were projected to continue causing water backflow and cause floods to counties located within the two water bodies.
Additionally, the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams still poses a flooding risk in the Tana Delta impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.
"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," Mwaura said.
According to Mwaura, rainfall is forecasted to persist in 14 counties which include Nyandarua, Nyeri,Muranga, Kiambu in Central region.
Others are Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Narok in Rift Valley and Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia in Western region.
"The areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various counties have been identified as high-risk areas and adjacent settlements are being evacuated," Mwaura said.
He said the Kenya Coast Guard is also on high alert and has been positioned in Kisumu, Tana River, Garissa, Kilifi and Nairobi counties to offer assistance when required.
Mwaura revealed that a total of 289 people had lost their lives following the severe weather conditions that were recently witnessed across the country.
He further said that a total of 57,120 households had been displaced and approximately 285,600 people impacted by the floods.
He said 187 camps have been set up across 25 counties for safety and aide in humanitarian response.
The government issued a 24-hour evacuation notice effective May 2, to settlements 33 counties that are within 178 of these high-risk dams and water reservoirs.
"The government is facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected," Mwaura said.
A Flood Emergency Response Command Centre was established at Nyayo House and is hosted within the National Disaster Operations Centre.
The government issued an emergency toll-free line 0800721571 to help Kenyans report any flood-related crisis.