Weatherman says rains to continue until July

A destroyed car in Kamucira village in Mai Mahiu was swept away by the raging waters of Kijabe Dam on April 30, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The weatherman has said the heavy rains pounding the country will continue until July.

Meteorological Department projections indicate that the rains will be accompanied by occasional storms with most parts of the country likely to experience near-average to above-average rainfall.

The forecast for the next three months indicates that rainfall is expected over the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley as well as the Coastal region.

The Highlands East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi county and parts of the Southeastern lowlands are likely to experience rainfall in May and remain generally cool and cloudy with occasional light rains in June and July.

According to the forecast, the rest of the country is expected to receive occasional rainfall in May and remain generally dry in June and July.

The weatherman, has warned of a likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas and flood plains especially over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Coastal region as well as in poorly drained urban centers where rainfall is expected.

The forecast, noted that flash floods are expected to be a concern in various regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Central and South Rift Valley, the Coastal region, and parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi county.

The anticipated floods pose a risk of causing structural damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sub-standard facilities.

"Consequently, transportation may be affected, with the possibility of property damage and loss of lives. It is crucial for the public to exercise caution while driving in rainy conditions and to refrain from crossing flooded roads to minimise the risk of accidents resulting from such adverse weather conditions," said Dr David Gikungu, the Director of the Meteorological Services.

"Relevant authorities are therefore advised to put in place measures to avert possible negative impacts that may arise. County governments are also advised to clear drainage in good time to avert artificial flooding of the urban areas. The public are advised not to drive or walk through flooded rivers or moving waters," he added.

The Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said that there is need for the country invest in early warning systems that prepare the people for extreme weather events.

"Weather and climate variability and extremes have increased in recent years due to climate change. As you may recall, the current floods are happening just months after the recent long drought, the worst in our history in over 40 years," she Tuya.

An aerial view of the area swept away by raging waters of Kijabe Dam at Maai Mahiu in Nakuru county on April 29, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

"It is therefore necessary that as a country, we invest in early warning systems that prepare our people; days, weeks and months ahead of extreme weather events such as the heavy rainfall we are experiencing across the country. With such forecasts, we will be able to mitigate the adverse impacts of the cyclic extreme weather conditions that are becoming severe by the day," she added.

The forecast comes at a time at least 169 lives have been lost, 102 people injured, 91 missing, and 30,099 households have been displaced affecting approximately 150,495 individuals due to the floods experienced across the country.

According to the Ministry of Interior and National administration, Mai Mahiu has borne the brunt of the disaster with 46 lives lost, while Garissa and Sindo, Homa Bay county, each reported 4 fatalities.

In Mai Mahiu, 53 individuals are unaccounted for while in Garissa 16 are missing.

"Citizens are apprehensive, we have lost lives and witnessed an unquantifiable loss of property and damaged critical infrastructure," reads the statement from the Ministry.

The ministry noted that approximately 190,942 individuals have been affected by the floods with 161 households displaced in Sindo, Homa Bay.

Nairobi, Tana River, West Pokot and Homa Bay counties have been adversely affected by the floods.

According to the ministry, mudslides and landslides have impacted residents of Murang'a and Nakuru counties.

"We are actively carrying out search, rescue and retrieval operations particularly in Nakuru due to the recent mudslide and have rescued 23 people in Garissa. A reporting desk manned by representatives from the national government, Nakuru county, and the Kenya Red Cross Society has been set up at the site of the tragedy in Mai Mahiu," reads the statement.