Home / National

Brace for heavy rains, strong winds over the weekend, weatherman warns

Houses submerged by floodwaters are pictured at the Sindo trading centre in Suba South Sub-county, Homa Bay, on April 28, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Amina Bonaya | 02 May 2024

The weatherman said coastal regions and northern Kenya, will experience heavy downpours and strong southerly winds exceeding 30 knots on Thursday and could intensify to over 40 knots from May 3 to 4, 2024.

Kenyans should brace themselves for exceptionally heavy rainfall and strong winds from Thursday through the weekend in several parts of the country.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall of more than 40mm and strong winds in the next 24 hours starting today.

Keep reading

In its latest forecast issued on Thursday, torrential rains are expected across Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Nairobi, and Southeast Lowlands.

The weatherman said coastal regions and northern Kenya, will experience heavy downpours and strong southerly winds exceeding 30 knots on Thursday and could intensify to over 40 knots from May 3 to 4, 2024.

Additionally, the weather department warned of the likelihood of large ocean waves, surpassing two meters, in the Indian Ocean from May 2 to 5, 2024.

“Stay safe and keep an eye on weather updates,” the department said, urging individuals living in vulnerable regions to be especially cautious and take appropriate steps to safeguard themselves and their property.

Additionally, drivers have been advised to exercise caution on the roads as visibility may be significantly impaired due to the heavy rains and strong winds.

The Department reassures the public that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates.

The heavy rains and deadly floods that have struck the country since mid-March have been among the most devastating in recent memory.

So far, at least 188 people have lost their lives and 90 others are missing.

According to a statement released by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the flooding has also led to the displacement of an additional 1,759 households in the last 24 hours. This now raises the number of displaced households to 33,100, comprising approximately 165,500 persons.

In Kilifi County, the floods have displaced 847 households with approximately 4,235 persons, affecting residents in Malimo Mmangani, Mwangatini, and Bura sub-locations, in Malindi and Magarini Sub Counties.

Meanwhile, the Mai Mahiu tragedy has claimed 50 lives (32 adults and 18 children), and 73 people who were injured are recuperating in different health facilities.

Mwaura noted that the Government of the United Arab Emirates has dispatched two aircraft loaded with 80 tonnes of essential relief supplies to support the government's efforts.