The Kenya Meteorological Department on Thursday, October 26 issued a heavy rain alert, with most parts of the country already experiencing extreme downpour. This is despite an earlier decision by the weatherman to downscale the El Nino threat.
According to KMD, “The rainfall being experienced over parts of the country is expected to spread and intensify from Friday 27th of October 2023 over the Northeastern and central parts of the country.”
Further, the weatherman added: “From Saturday 28th October, it is likely to spread to several parts of Northeastern, the Central Highlands and South Coast. These rains are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds.”
In the advisory, the Met Department listed several areas of concern, including the counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Embu, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, and Mombasa.
At the same time, the weatherman advised residents in the 16 counties to be on the lookout for potential floods.
Also Read: Met Department Issues Tips to Survive El Nino Rains
“Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream. Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows when raining to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage.
Moreover, the department promised to provide updates promptly if there are any changes.
In its weekly outlook, KMD said rainfall is expected to continue in various parts of the country, with isolated storms likely in the Central Highlands and North-eastern Kenya.
Rain of death
Already, at least three people have died as a result of heavy rainfall being experienced in various parts of the country.
According to official reports, two people died in Marsabit, while another person died in Busia County.
Also Read: Death Reported as El Nino Hits Parts of Kenya
Marsabit County commissioner Nobert Komora said the two victims lost their lives following floods that hit the County, with the areas receiving four-hour non-stop rain on Wednesday, October 24.
In Busia, an elderly woman died after her house collapsed following heavy rainfall that blew off roofs and uprooted trees.
The sustained rain in most parts of the country coming days after President William Ruto said the El Nino threat had been downscaled and that the country will experience heavy rain without much destruction of property.
