The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall and possible flooding in the South Rift, Central Rift and Nyanza, with the potential of spreading Central, Nairobi and South East regions from November 29, 2019.
In a press statement, the department called upon Kenyans to be extra cautious to prevent loss of lives.
“Heavy rainfall of more than 30mm in 24hrs is expected as from Friday 29th November 2019 over the South Rift, Central Rift and Nyanza Regions,” read the statement.
“The heavy rainfall is likely to spread over parts of Central, Nairobi, South East lowlands on Tuesday 3rd December 2019,” further read the statement.
According to the department’s communication, the rains are expected to fall heavily starting November 29, 2019, and run-up to December 4, 2019.
Counties likely to be affected include Narok, Kajiado, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Siaya.
Other counties that are also subject to the effects of the rain include Nairobi, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Machakos, and Makueni.
“People in landslide-prone areas especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt Kenya and other hilly areas over the western region should also be on high alert,” cautioned the meteorological department.
Kenyans have also be advised to avoid being victims of landslides by moving to safer grounds.
“The rainfall is expected to continue for the entire period but with occasional breaks.
“Flooding and landslides may, therefore, be triggered by any substantial amount of rainfall in low-lying areas and over hilly grounds. The public is advised to be on the lookout,” added the statement.
Motorists in the prone areas are also advised to avoid driving through moving water.
The probability of the high rainfalls and flooding instances have been rated to a high of 66 per cent in all the mentioned areas.
On November 22, heavy rainfalls causing landslides led to the death of more than 40 people in three villages within West Pokot County.
Speaking to The Standard on November 25, West Pokot Director of Meteorological Services Wilson Lonyang’ole claimed that locals, including those living in Nyarkulian, Parua, Sepit and Muino villages, had been given the warning to vacate the areas but didn’t heed to it.
