Tana River, Lamu set up emergency numbers as floods loom

Tana River and Lamu counties have set up emergency call centres following flood warnings by the Kenya Meteorological Department (Met).

Tana River has activated an emergency number (0768333000) and a 24-hour call centre dedicated to addressing flood-related emergencies and other concerns and disseminating vital information.

Governor Dhadho Godhana noted the need to streamline communication for prompt responses to emergencies.

The call centre will be pivotal to coordinating rescue operations, providing guidance on evacuation procedures, and offering real-time updates on evolving situations.

By centralising these efforts, the county aims to enhance the effectiveness of its response to floods, minimise risks and keep residents safe.

Dhadho, however, urged communities to heed warnings to move to safe grounds and unite to keep each other safe.

"We have said enough times that we need our people to move out of flood-prone zones. For how long are we supposed to sing this song to the people of Tana?"

Lamu County has established the emergency number 0714888889.

Governor Issa Timamy cautioned residents of Witu Ward about the risks posed by the overflow of Seven Fork Dams into Tana River due to the ongoing rains.

Governor Timamy urged residents to relocate to higher ground, prioritising their safety and well-being.

TARDA's warning

Earlier on Thursday, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) warned communities living along the upper and lower river basins about possible flash floods.

In a statement, TARDA explained that heavy rains within the Nyambene Hills catchment area have resulted in a significant increase in the flow of water into the Tana River.

"It is crucial for communities in the Lower and Upper Tana Basins to heed warnings by relevant authorities and take necessary precautions to safeguard their families and property."

According to the April 5 forecast by the Met, the Nyambene Hills catchment area, covering Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, has experienced a surge in rainfall.

This has led to a significant increase in the flow of the Tana River, whose banks in Garissa have overflowed, inundating nearby areas towards the Tana Delta.

TARDA noted that in the past 24 hours, water levels in the Tana River in Garissa have risen more than a metre above the four-metre flood alert threshold.

"[Rains in the] Nyambene Hills catchment area, spanning Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, resulted in a significant increase in the flow of the Tana River. This has caused a substantial rise in the Tana River flow, overtopping the banks at Garissa," read the statement.

It was also noted that the substantial rainfall in the Mount Kenya and Aberdare catchments has led to swift rises in the levels of water at the Seven Forks Dams. However, Masinga and Kiambere dam levels were reported to be below their full supply capacity.

Due to these developments, TARDA said it was actively monitoring the dam levels in the Tana River to ensure the safety of communities in the area. It added that it was collaborating with various stakeholders to assess the situation and provide essential advice on relocating to safer areas.

Meanwhile, the weatherman's forecast for April 9–15 says many areas across the country will experience heavy rain.

Hundreds of families have so far been affected by floods in Nairobi, Baringo, Mwea, Tana River and Kirinyaga since the onset of the long rain season.

🌧️ Rainfall to continue across the country, with heavy rainfall anticipated in Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. pic.twitter.com/z6M2YUGxpL

— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) April 8, 2024