FLOODS UPDATES: Kenya Met Warns of Thunderstorms & Landslide in New Forecast

In its latest weather Forecast, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.

The forecast also indicated that morning rains are likely to occur over few places occasionally spreading to several places.

As a result of the heavy rainfall, the weatherman has noted that flooding is expected in low-lying areas, especially for those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage.

Additionally, the Met department predicted the possibility of landslides, reduced visibility and heavy rainfall likely to be accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning. 

“The public is advised to avoid driving through or wading in fast moving water. Those living within flood plains should remain alert as flood waters may appear even in the
absence of rain.

“Landslides may occur on steep slopes where soils become saturated. Also, Visibility is likely to be reduced during heavy rainfall events. Road-users, aviators and boat operators are advised to exercise caution,” noted the Weather forecast department.

President William Ruto has ordered all Kenyans living in areas prone to the effects of the heavy rains to vacate within 48 hours.

While visiting Mai Mahiu on Tuesday, April 30, afternoon, Ruto pledged that the government would facilitate the relocation process, as it had already identified all the affected areas.

On April 29, an unconfirmed number of people were swept away by raging water after a storm water blew through a clogged tunnel under the railway at Old Kijabe dam area. 

“There are people looking to go back home. Do not be in a rush to return because the government will take care of your needs and we shall send experts to assess the land. If we get assurance of no further disaster occurring, we shall facilitate your return,” he said.

“This follows sudden siltation, coupled with heavy debris deposited on a section stretching over a kilometer this evening at/3 Suswa area, about 27 kilometers from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok,” said KeNHA.

Kenya Red Cross Emergency Contacts :(+254) 703 037 000

Toll Free: 1199

Here are the latest updates on the floods experienced in different parts of the country

4:50 pm: “Rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country. Heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, the Coast, North-western and North-eastern Kenya,

“They are also advised to be cautious since the forecasted strong winds may damage roofs, trees, billboards, etc. Large waves and strong winds may affect marine activities,” Kenya Met.

4:44 pm: The Kenya National Highways Authority has closed the Oletepesi – Magadi (B19) Road following occurrences of flash floods in several sections of the road due to heavy downpour.

“The Authority cautions road users against any attempts to use this affected area in the interest of their safety.We will continue to monitor the water levels and begin restoration works when the water subsides.”

3:00: Government Spokesperson Issac Mwaura has announced that the government will settle hospital bills for victims of the Kijabe flash floods that swept away homes in Mai Mahiu. 

2:30 pm: President William Ruto has chaired a special Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi to address the ongoing flooding caused by heavy rains.

Following the meeting, he has ordered all Kenyans living within fragile areas prone to the effects of the heavy rains to vacate.

Ruto through a Cabinet dispatch on April 30, 2024, directed those living within fragile ecosystems prone to floods, mudslides, landslides and those along riparian lands to move out within the next 48 hours.

12:00 am: Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that 45 people have been confirmed dead from the Mai Mahiu landslide while 72 others have been injured. He also noted that 70 others have been reported missing. 

He also stated that across the nation, at least 169 people are dead, 91 missing and over 30,000 households displaced by floods.  4 counties including Nairobi and Tana River are the most affected.

10:50 am: The death toll from the Madogo boat tragedy in the Tana River floods has risen to seven following the recovery of three additional bodies during the ongoing search operation.

10:00 am: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the death toll for the Mai Mahiu tragedy has risen to 45, as the search and rescue continued for missing persons. 

9:37 am: The Kenya Red Cross has announced that 76 people are reported missing at their tracing desk, while 110 have been rescued following the Mai Mahiu Floods Tragedy.

“Approximately 250 people are being hosted at Ngeya Girls Secondary School, where they were provided with essential items, courtesy of the National and County Government of Nakuru and partners.

8:57 am: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has donated Ksh2 million to the Kenya Red Cross as a compassionate and supportive gesture for the victims of flood across the country. 

He stated that this contribution is intended to bolster relief efforts and provide essential aid to the affected families, offering them some comfort and solace during these difficult times.

“As a nation, we must stand together in the face of adversity, demonstrating compassion, resilience, and solidarity with one another”, he noted.

7:55 am: Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that the death toll for victims of flood in the country had hit 300 across the country, explaining that many of the instances were a result of recklessness from drivers.

“Currently we are counting maybe 300 people who have died, but most of them did not need to die. But it is because of recklessness’ and some drivers forcing their way through water, we have to make sure that we obey the rules,” he said. 

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