Kenya Meteorological Department Warns of Heavy Rains and Flooding Risks

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains expected to start on March 9th, potentially leading to floods. Rainfall may exceed 30mm in 24 hours, affecting areas including the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift Valley. Residents are cautioned against seeking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. The long rains season is set to begin, which, while beneficial for agriculture, also poses risks of damage and health issues.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding impending heavy rainfall set to begin on Sunday, March 9th. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the intensity of the rainfall may lead to significant flooding and flash floods. Initial rainfall amounts are expected to exceed 20mm, potentially escalating to over 30mm within a 24-hour timeframe commencing March 10th. According to Dr. David Gikungu, Director of Kenya Meteorological Services, the rainfall will spread to parts of northwestern Kenya before easing on March 11th.

Regions anticipated to be most affected include the Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the Rift Valley, the highlands both west and east of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi), and the southeastern lowlands. Specific counties highlighted as areas of increased concern include Narok, Kericho, Kisumu, Nyeri, Bomet, Bungoma, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Nyandarua, and Turkana.

Residents are advised to avoid shelter under trees or near windows with grilles during thunderstorms, which raises the risk of lightning strikes. The Meteorological Department has committed to providing updates should the forecast change. This alert coincides with the onset of Kenya’s long rains season, which typically spans from March to May, with April historically witnessing the heaviest rainfall, often aligning with the Easter holiday period.

The weatherman emphasizes, “Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. People are advised not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.” Regions like the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift Valley, known for receiving over 300mm of seasonal rainfall, are vital for agriculture and water replenishment. However, such seasonal rains can also pose significant challenges, including potential infrastructural damage, community displacement, and increased public health risks.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department’s alert on imminent heavy rains underscores a serious flooding risk across various regions of the country. Citizens in the highlighted counties must take necessary precautions to mitigate potential dangers during this period. With the long rains season approaching, the focus must be on balancing the benefits of agricultural rainfall with the risks associated with extreme weather events.

Original Source: mwakilishi.com