The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that flash floods are expected to hit the country starting today, Wednesday 28 April.
In a statement, the department singled out Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir counties where residents have been advised to take precautions.
The severity of the situation is expected to be moderate and the probability of the occurrence is gauged between 33% to 66%.
“Flash Floods are expected to occur in areas harboring the borders of Ethiopia and Kenya. This is as a result of the expected heavy rainfall of more than 50mm/24hrs over the Ethiopian highlands that may cause outflow to the neighbouring catchments in Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir counties,” read the statement.
Flash Floods are destructive in nature. Often, they occur at high speed rummaging through houses, roads, trees and bridges.
“Residents in all mentioned areas are alerted to be on the on the lookout for potential flash floods that may occur in places where heavy rainfall has not been received and especially in areas which are known to be water paths from the neighboring Ethiopia.”
Heavy rains in the country have intensified over the past few weeks with counties such as Nairobi, Kajiado and Kiambu experiencing heavy downpours.
However, it has not been the same for all counties. Marsabit has been hit by a prolonged drought. Being a semi-arid area, there has been an outcry from the residents.
In May last year, flash floods hit areas in the Western region with Siaya, Migori and other parts of Nyanza most affected. Over 40,000 people were rendered homeless and property was destroyed.
According to CDC, precautionary measures that can be taken are; evacuation, avoiding low areas and still water, individuals with cars are advised to avoid driving in such a situation.
