Kenya Meteorological Department Warns of Heavy Rains and Flood Risks

The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy rains beginning March 9th, with flood risks in several regions. Anticipated rainfall may exceed 30mm after March 10th, affecting areas like the Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley. Citizens are urged to take safety precautions against lightning and flooding risks. This advisory precedes the critical long rains season.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning about heavy rainfall set to commence on Sunday, March 9th, across various parts of the country. This downpour is predicted to escalate, presenting a significant threat of flooding and flash floods. Rainfall amounts are expected to surpass 20mm in initially affected regions, increasing to over 30mm within a 24-hour period beginning March 10th, as noted by Dr. David Gikungu, Director of Kenya Meteorological Services.

Key areas likely to feel the most pronounced effects include the Lake Victoria Basin, sections of the Rift Valley, and the highlands to both the west and east of the Rift Valley, encompassing the Nairobi metropolitan area and southeastern lowlands. The warning specifically identifies counties such as Narok, Kericho, Kisumu, Nyeri, Bomet, Bungoma, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Nyandarua, and Turkana as particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions.

In light of this forecast, citizens are urged to refrain from seeking shelter under trees or close to grilled windows during thunderstorms to mitigate the risk of lightning. The Meteorological Department will continue to provide updates should the situation change. This alert also precedes the onset of Kenya’s long rains season, which typically spans from March to May, with April historically experiencing the heaviest rainfall coinciding with the Easter holiday.

The weatherman cautions, “Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility.” Regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, highlands east of the Rift Valley, and the coastal strip typically accumulate over 300mm of seasonal rainfall. Although this precipitation is critical for agriculture and water resource replenishment, it also poses significant risks, including infrastructure damage, community displacement, and heightened public health concerns.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a timely alert regarding impending heavy rains set to begin on March 9th. With specific counties identified at risk of intense flooding, residents are strongly advised to take precautions. The upcoming rain season is vital for agricultural sustainability but brings potential challenges that must be carefully managed.

Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com