Met issues flood alert ahead of rainy season

The Director of the Kenya Metrological Department Dr. Joseph Mukabana.

Kenyans have been warned to brace for flash floods, lightning strikes, disease outbreaks and landslides in parts of the country in the coming rainy season between March and May.

The season would also be characterised by poorly distributed rainfall in most parts of the country, said Meteorological department director Joseph Mukabana on Wednesday.

Dr Mukabana told a press conference at the Meteorological department headquarters in Dagoretti Corner, Nairobi, that Budalang’i, Kano and Tana River were likely to experience flooding while lightning strikes could occur in western Kenya especially in Kisii and Kakamega counties.

“Isolated cases of landslides/mudslides are also likely to occur in the sloppy areas of western, central and Rift Valley parts of the country,” he said.

Some parts of central Kenya and western were likely to experience flash floods resulting in slippery roads, posing a danger to motorists and pedestrians, he said.

“Pilots of light aircraft should also exercise utmost care in the western route and avoid flying through deep cumulus clouds especially in the afternoon hours since the clouds are associated with severe turbulence and lighting,” Dr Mukabana said.

He warned that conflicts over pasture and water were likely to occur among pastoralist communities in the arid areas during the rainy season.

Enhanced rains

Areas likely to receive normal or enhanced rains are Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega and Bungoma, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Laikipia, Narok, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Baringo.

Others are Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nairobi, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Lamu, eastern parts of Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale.

“However, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Marsabit, Tana River, western parts of Kilifi and Taita Taveta, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Mandera, Garissa and Wajir are likely to receive normal rainfall with a tendency towards depressed rainfall,” says the Meteorological department boss.

Dr Mukabana said the long rains were likely to be “generally poor” over most parts of the country, particularly in arid areas. -Daily Nation