More caution is advised as the weather outlook continues to predict heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over 33 Counties during this weekend with floods expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas, and urban areas.
The 33 counties are in; the Central region (Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga,Kiambu, Nyandarua); Rift Valley (Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet,
West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Narok);
Western (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia); Lake Victoria
Basin (Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay); Eastern (Machakos,Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Marsabit); and Nairobi.
Over the last 24 Hours; Nairobi, Machakos, Baringo, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kiambu,
Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Kakamega, Kilifi, Busia,Kajiado, Garissa and Homabay Counties have suffered from flooding.
There has been an increase in landslides and mudslides having occurred in West Pokot, Embu, Machakos, Makueni, and Nakuru Counties.
Areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various Counties have been identified as high-risk areas and neighboring settlements are being evacuated with the sites for temporary shelter for displaced persons coordinated by County Security Committees.
The Security Committees are also coordinating the evacuation and relocation of people residing within a 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country following the Presidential Directive issued on May 3rd, 2024.
At the same time, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are still actively engaged in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County following Monday’s mudslide tragedy where 53 deceased persons have been retrieved, 41 of whom have been positively identified and families duly informed. On the other hand, the search and rescue operation in Joska in Machakos County has ended with 59 people rescued and no reported fatalities.
Sadly however, 219 people countrywide have lost their lives due to severe weather conditions with an additional 9 fatalities reported since the last update. A cumulative 164 people have been reported injured and 72 people are currently missing.
Approximately 206,240 people have been displaced with the Government setting up 115 camps across 19 Countiescurrently hosting 27,856 people. Essential food supplies of rice and beans totaling 1,226,400 Kg have been distributed to support affected communities in Busia, Homabay,
Kisumu, Machakos, Makueni, Tana River, Kilifi, Nakuru, Garissa, Turkana, Isiolo, Migori, Kajiado, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Kiambu and Muranga Counties.
The strong winds and large ocean waves mostly in Kwale and Kilifi, accompanied by heavy rainfall forecasted to be occasioned by Cyclone Hidaya, has the Kenya Coast Guard Service, that is responsible for marine operations on our territorial and inland waters, on high alert and positioned in Kilifi, Mombasa, Shimoni,, Lamu, Tana River and Garissa Counties to offer required assistance.
The Government is also carrying out assessments of damaged roads and mobilizing resources to address critical sections and to restore safe travel.
Over the weekend and as the heavy rain persists, residents and travelers are
advised to exercise caution while using roads in the following areas due to severe flooding and hazardous conditions:
Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley and Eastern:
o Several roads have been rendered impassable due to water overflows and road cut- offs including Kapenguria – Lokichar – Lodwar highway, Nakuru– Eldoret road at Timboroa market and Oletepesi – Magadi road.
o Accumulated debris has blocked culverts and drainage systems,exacerbating water stagnation and flooding.
o Strong water currents have eroded some roads making them dangerous for vehicle passage.
Nairobi and Urban Areas:
o Increased water stagnation has led to the emergence of potholes
and further deterioration of damaged roads.
o Urban area drainage systems are overwhelmed, with several
manholes becoming hazardous.
Coast and North Eastern:
o Many coastal and frontier roads are partially
flooded. Habaswein – Abakore – Dadaab road remains a no-go
zone.
o Key road infrastructure has sustained damage, complicating travel
and transport. Warning is still on for the Tana River bridge
in Mororo Area and the Garissa – Madogo road
Central Region:
o The heavy rains have triggered landslides, especially in hilly areas
posing a risk of vehicle accidents.
Residents in all regions are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary
travel and follow advisories from Government and local authorities.
In the event of a flood emergency, please contact the National
Disaster Operations Center (NDOC) immediately via the toll-free number: 0800721571.
