Flood warning: Government issues public safety alert amid heavy rains

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued a public safety alert, highlighting the looming threat of flooding in various parts of the country due to the ongoing long rains.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, in a statement on Wednesday, said the alert comes as a preemptive measure to ensure the safety of citizens amid adverse weather conditions.

"The weather forecast indicates a high risk of flooding, which may necessitate evacuation orders in certain areas to safeguard public safety," he said.

At the same time, the CS affirmed the government's readiness to issue mandatory evacuation orders in specific areas if necessary.

As of April 14, 2024, more than 4,600 families have been displaced due to heavy rains resulting in flooding in many areas across the country.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, at least 16 counties have been affected by the ongoing rains, resulting in 17,445 households being impacted.

CS Kindiki further noted that the Seven Forks Hydroelectric Dam, including Masinga Dam, has reached full capacity, with overflow already occurring through managed structural spillways.

Although the immediate spillage does not pose evident risks to downstream areas, Kindiki said that further precipitation could worsen the situation, leading to increased flooding downstream, particularly in settlements near Kiambere Dam.

In light of the forecasted weather patterns, areas within the Tana River and River Thiba catchment zones are expected to face a heightened risk of floods.

Garissa and the Tana Delta were listed as regions likely to experience significant inundation if rainfall persists.

Communities in Western Kenya, particularly those along lakes and rivers in Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Nyakach, Muhoroni, as well as low-lying areas in Migori, Kakamega, and Vihiga, are also at risk of flooding if precipitation levels exceed current norms.

Additionally, low-lying areas in Narok, Kajiado, and Mombasa, along with hilly regions prone to mudslides like Makueni, Nyeri, Murang'a, and West Pokot counties, face potential hazards, as highlighted by the Interior boss.

Urban areas with inadequate drainage systems and water reservoirs are also likely to face flooding if rainfall persists.

In response to the threat, Kindiki said that the government has activated proactive measures to ensure public safety.

The CS said that the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) has reconvened the Multi-Agency Disaster Management Team to coordinate a comprehensive response plan.

"Collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society and relevant national and international humanitarian agencies has been initiated to provide a coordinated relief effort," he added.

Kindiki also said that security and intelligence teams have been directed to collaborate with county governments to monitor and report on the situation, facilitating interventions to mitigate the loss of life and property.

In addition, Kenyans have also been urged to exercise, plan their movements carefully, and avoid risky behaviour around water bodies during this period of heightened flood risk.