Kenyans living in Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, have been warned to expect heavy rains, with the possibility of floods occurring within those two days.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory for some parts of the country from Thursday, November 14 to Friday, November 15.
In this advisory, Kenyans living in Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, have been warned to expect heavy rains, with the possibility of floods occurring within those two days.
“Rainfall of more than 20mm in 24hrs is expected from Thursday, 14th November 2024, in parts of Central Rift Valley, Central including Nairobi area and southeast lowlands.Â
“The rainfall is likely to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs on Friday, 15th November 2024, over Southeastern lowlands and central parts including Nairobi area,” Kenya Met stated.
Kenya Meteorological Department Director Dr. David Gikungu. /KENYA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT
The areas of concern include the counties of Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Isiolo, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, parts of Kajiado, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni.
The weather department advised residents living in the areas to be on the lookout for potential flooding and those leaving downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers to be cautious.
“People living downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should be careful since water may appear suddenly even though it may not be raining within the area.
“People in landslide-prone areas, especially over the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya and other hilly areas, should be vigilant,” Kenya Met explained.
Kenyans have further been advised against walking or driving through moving water, staying in open fields, and sheltering under trees or near grilled windows to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. The weatherman maintained that updates will be provided promptly in case of any changes.
Floods carry several threats which include displacement of homes, destruction of property of whatever nature flood water comes into contact with as well as loss of lives, with stories of people being swept away by floods all too common.
Earlier this week, Kenya Met warned of continued rainfall in several parts of the country, particularly over the Highlands East region, the West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley region, the South-Eastern Lowlands, the Coast and North-Eastern Kenya.
Kenyans living in the Highland East counties of Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nairobi were warned to prepare for moderate rains.
According to the meteorological department, rains in the above regions were forecasted to occur in the morning and extend into the afternoon. However, in some counties, rains were projected to extend into the night.
Floods along Thika Road and a tree which fell along Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD on April 24, 2024. /X