Weatherman Cautions Kenyans to Expect More Floods

Woman attempts to cross through floods in Nyando while carrying her two goats on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Woman attempts to cross through floods in Nyando while carrying her two goats on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Kenyans.co.ke

The Kenya Meteorology Department (Kenya Met) has warned Kenyans in several regions across the country to brace themselves for heavy rainfall between May 5 and May 11.

In a statement released on their social media pages on Tuesday, May 5 the Kenya Met announced that some counties were slated to receive 'very heavy' rainfall to the level of about 100 millimetres.

"Very heavy cumulative rainfall above 100 mm is expected over most parts of West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Keiyo-Marakwet, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Vihiga, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Narok and some parts of Samburu.

"Also on the receiving end would be Tharaka, Meru, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Migori, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu Counties," the weatherman announced.

The cumuative rainfall forecast as released by Kenya Met on May 5, 2020.
The cumulative rainfall forecast as released by Kenya Met on May 5, 2020.
File

The Kenya Meteorology Department further announced that heavy cumulative rainfall of above 70mm is to be expected over some parts of Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Machakos, Embu, Kajiado, Laikipia, Turkana, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Garissa Counties.

It also broadcasted a moderate cumulative rainfall between 20-70 mm over some parts of Turkana, Machakos, and Garissa Counties and light cumulative rainfall below 20 mm over Taita Taveta, Makueni and Kitui Counties.

The weatherman further announced that most parts of Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Kitui, Tana River and Taita Taveta are expected to remain dry during the one-week period.

In terms of expected temperature, Kenya Met broadcasted moderate daily-mean temperatures between 20-30˚C over Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira,  Samburu, Kitui, Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa & Taita Taveta counties.

Low daily-mean temperatures below 15˚C are also expected over Meru, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho & some parts of Nairobi, Narok, Laikipia, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Keiyo-Marakwet and Nandi Counties.

According to reports from various agencies, the ongoing floods have already claimed 164 lives in the country and left thousands homeless.

The most affected region so far is Western after the roaring River Nzoia burst its banks, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

On April 30, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa told Citizen TV that 116 people had died in the country due to the flooding across 29 counties.

A family waits along a road after floodwaters damaged their homes in Kobura in Nyando, Kisumu County, on April 21, 2020.
A family waits along a road after floodwaters damaged their homes in Kobura in Nyando, Kisumu County, on April 21, 2020.
Daily Nation
Onderi Ogega

 

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