Kenya Meteorological Department Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risks
The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy rains commencing on March 9th, with significant flooding risks affecting multiple regions. Rainfall may exceed 30mm within 24 hours, especially in areas like the Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley. Residents should take precautions against lightning during thunderstorms. Updates will follow as needed ahead of the long rains season from March to May.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced a warning regarding heavy rainfall anticipated to start on March 9th. This downpour may lead to severe flooding and flash floods across multiple regions within the country. The department predicts rainfall levels exceeding 20mm, surging to above 30mm within a 24-hour period following March 10th. The rains are expected to extend towards parts of northwestern Kenya before subsiding around March 11th, according to Dr. David Gikungu, the Director of Meteorological Services.
Significant precipitation is forecasted for regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, areas within the Rift Valley, highlands adjacent to the Rift Valley (including the Nairobi metropolitan area), and the southeastern lowlands. Specific counties highlighted in the advisory include Narok, Kericho, Kisumu, Nyeri, Bomet, Bungoma, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Nyandarua, and Turkana.
Residents of the affected regions are urged to steer clear of seeking shelter under trees or near windows during thunderstorms, as this heightens the risk of lightning strikes. The Meteorological Department has committed to providing updates should the forecast alter. This advisory comes ahead of the onset of Kenya’s long rains season, which typically spans from March to May, with April usually experiencing the heaviest rainfall, often occurring around the Easter holiday period.
Residents are cautioned to remain vigilant for the chances of floods, flash floods, and reduced visibility in the mentioned areas. The meteorologist recommends avoiding shelter under trees and near grilled windows to lower risks associated with lightning strikes. Regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley, the eastern highlands of the Rift Valley, and the coastal area receive seasonal rains often exceeding 300mm. While these rains support agricultural productivity and replenish water resources, they also pose substantial risks including infrastructure damage, community displacement, and heightened public health concerns.
In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department alerts citizens to prepare for heavy rains starting March 9th, particularly in the Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley regions. The rainfall poses risks of flooding and other hazards. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed safety precautions, particularly regarding lightning strikes. While the seasonal rains are crucial for agriculture, they also carry risks that must be managed diligently.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
