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Brace for intensified rainfall, strong winds on Monday and Tuesday - Met

The Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen Road, which was swept away by floods in April-May, as pictured on May 15, 2024 during a tour by Road ministry officials. (Photo: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)

By Lucy Mumbi | Sunday, May 19, 2024

The weatherman said the heavy rainfall of more than 30mm in 24 hours, experienced in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, including the Nairobi area, was expected to continue.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Met) has warned of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large waves in several parts of the country, even as the March-May long rain season nears its end.

In an advisory on Sunday, the weatherman said the heavy rainfall of more than 30mm in 24 hours, experienced in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, including the Nairobi area, was expected to continue.

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The rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 40mm in 24 hours over these areas, as well as off the coast, from May 20–21, and is likely to reduce in intensity on May 22, but will intensify along the coast from then onwards.

"The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large waves in the Indian Ocean, and strong southerly winds in the eastern region," the Met said in a notice on its X page.

Other counties expected to receive heavy rainfall include Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu.

The same weather is also expected in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale.

Residents in all the mentioned areas were advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility.

The weatherman also said water levels in rivers, lakes, and dams would remain high.

The Met reiterated its warning for motorists to avoid driving or walking through moving water or in open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.

"People in landslide-prone areas, especially over hilly areas, should be vigilant. Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage. Large waves may affect marine activities," the weatherman warned.

Thus far, the national death toll from the heavy rain and floods is 291, according to the Interior ministry, which also said that 75 people were missing while 188 had suffered various injuries. A total of 55,631 families, or 278,155 people, have been displaced, and 412,763 affected in general.

The ministry also announced that 5,493 displaced people have been integrated into the community as a result of the ongoing Nairobi River evacuation exercise. In Nairobi, at least 3,005 people affected by the floods were living in some 35 camps for the internally displaced.

Further, the ministry said, a total of 1,967 schools across the 47 counties have been affected by the floods.