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Flood alert for Garissa, Tana River and Lamu as Seven Forks Dams near overflow

Drone images of floods in Garissa town on December 1, 2023. (Photo: Amin Abubakar)

By Yunis Dekow | 08 Apr 2024

The Seven Forks Dams are almost spilling over, government agency says, asking residents to move to higher and safer grounds.

Residents of Garissa, Tana River and Lamu counties who live in low-lying areas or near water bodies should evacuate to higher and safer grounds, as the Seven Forks Dams will likely spill over and cause flooding.

The warning on Monday was from the National Disaster Operation Centre, which was operationalised last year to deal with various aspects of disaster response.

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“Heavy rainfall over the past few days in Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares and the Nyambene Hills has caused water levels to rise rapidly, resulting in potential risks to life and property,” Director D. K. Samoei said in a statement.

Samoei further advised the people to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, stressing the importance of safety in the aftermath of heavy rains experienced in parts of the country.

"Stay informed by listening to local news updates and weather forecasts. It's essential to know the latest information on the situation."

Areas across the Tana River, which passes through four counties, have for many years been hit hard by floods caused by spillovers from dams flowing upstream in Kenya’s highlands.

These floods have had a profound impact on local communities, particularly in terms of food supply. Many farms have been destroyed and crops washed away, with long-term effects having the potential to cause food insecurity for the foreseeable future.

The Kenya Meteorological Department said rainfall is expected "to continue across the country, with heavy rainfall anticipated in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South Eastern Lowlands, Coast, North Eastern, and North Western Kenya."

A dire flood situation in many parts of North Eastern necessitated an emergency Cabinet meeting last November, led by President William Ruto. He confirmed at least 70 deaths and the displacement of more than 36,000 families.

The President further told the State House meeting that the rains would continue, hence the need to prepare for emergencies.

“Adequate interventions have been put in place to tackle the emerging crisis," he said, adding the government had made provisions for food supply to vulnerable people.

Ruto also said the Kenya Defence Forces would provide last-mile deliveries by air, especially in counties marooned by floods.

“We will also mobilise the National Youth Service and the provincial administration to ensure Kenyans are safe."

High daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C are expected in Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.

Night-time temperatures are likely to remain high (above 25°C) in parts of the Coast, North Eastern, and North Western.

The Horn of Africa, still recovering from a severe drought that plunged millions into hunger, is also grappling with heavy rainfall and floods attributed to the El Niño phenomenon. The repercussions of this latest disaster extend to Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, causing widespread displacement and loss of life.