By Kamadi Amata
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding heavy rainfall expected in several parts of the country.
According to the department’s statement, the rainfall being experienced in several parts of the country is expected to continue up to Saturday, 29th April 2023. It is likely to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs today, 25th April 2023, in the Central Highlands including Nairobi County, the South and Central Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands, off South Coast and parts of Northeastern Kenya. The heavy rainfall is expected to spread to North Western region and Lake Basin on Wednesday 26th April 2023.
Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream. The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. The warning is in effect for several counties including Embu, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Narok, Kisii, HomaBay, Migori, Kisumu, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Mandera, Lamu, Mombasa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir and Garissa.
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 lightning strikes. The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; the Presidency; National Intelligence Service, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, National Disaster Operations Centre, National Disaster Management Unit, Media, Relevant Government Ministries, Council of Governors, and County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs) have been alerted of the situation.
Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes. It is advisable that all residents in the affected areas take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.