The Meteorological department is warning Kenyans to be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides that may be triggered by substantial amounts of rainfall in low-lying areas and over hilly grounds.
This follows a forecast of sustained heavy rains over several parts of the country this week.
According to the government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, 29 people have so far lost their lives and 11,700 others have been displaced in the country, following the onset of the short rains.
Giving the details of the massive destruction as a result of flooding, Oguna says the government is in the process of distributing relief food and providing temporary shelter to affected families.
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The weather man says heavy rainfall of more than 20mm in 24hrs is expected from Wednesday to Sunday 28th October 2019 over the Coast, South Eastern, North Eastern, Western and Central regions including Nairobi Area.
Areas that will be highly affected by the floods include Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, parts of Tana River, Lamu, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Baringo, Narok, Migori, Nandi and West Pokot.
Others are Southern Turkana, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Nakuru, Isiolo, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir.
The rainfall is expected to continue for the entire season with occasional breaks.
“Flood waters may suddenly appear even in places where it has not rained heavily and can be deeper and faster than they look. Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lighting strikes,” the met statement said.
