El Nino: Govt Warns Kenyans, Dam Owners and Operators

The statement asked the public to promptly follow evacuation measures and not to wait until the situation worsens.

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has issued a warning to members of the public and dam owners as the country anticipates El Nino rains.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 29, WAR Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Shurie urged members of the public to comply with the measures for their safety.

Further, Shurie called on Kenyans to adhere to flood advisories during this rainy period.

“This can however be achieved by monitoring rivers and water levels as well as paying attention to raising water levels,” read part of his notice.

The authority further emphasized the importance of avoiding flooded areas when driving or walking.

Met Department Warns of El Nino Rains — Photo showing parts of Nairobi flooded during a past rainy season. PHOTO/Courtesy.

Communities downstream are moreover urged to remain vigilant and adhere to alerts from the authorities and dam owners and keep close watch on weather forecasts and flood advisories.

Also Read: Sakaja Issues Demolition Order Ahead of El Nino

“The public should identify and use safe routes to evacuate to higher safe ground in the event of floods”.

In addition, the statement asked the public to promptly follow evacuation measures and not to wait until the situation worsens.

“Approach river crossings, Wheater on foot or in a motor vehicle with utmost caution,” said the CEO in the report.

With the expected high rainfall, it is important to however note that just a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away as it is easy to lose floating in floodwaters.

Also, the water body challenged Kenyans to be aware of open channels or manholes during flooding.

Gov't warns Kenyans and Dam Owners over El Nino — Image of a Dam. PHOTO/Courtesy.

As the rainy season approaches it is crucial to remain vigilant on open channels such as rivers and canals which can be extremely hazardous.

Parents are advised to keep children away from playing near open channels during or after heavy rainfall.

Advisory to Dam Owners ahead of El Nino

At the same time, the agency advised dam owners and operators to comply with the precautions by the Water Recourses Authority as follows:

Ensure that they have a Dam Operation Plan that outlines the procedures to notify and protect downstream inhabitants, infrastructure and environments from dam release.

Ensure the spillways are properly maintained and free of any obstruction to attain their full design spill capacity.

Owners are further urged to undertake regular dam safety inspection or assessment of the dams when full.

Also Read: Met Department Warns of El Nino Rains

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of El Nino rains from the month of October to December across the country.

According to the weatherman, the expected heavy rainfall may lead to:

River water levels are rising significantly and may overtop the banks and cause flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

Flush floods caused by excessive runoff may be experienced in some areas, especially urban areas such as Nairobi city, Narok, Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera towns.

Dams filling with a high likelihood of them spilling over and causing flooding downstream.

The Water Recourses Authority is a body designated under section 6 of the water Act,2016 as the National Government agent responsible for regulating the management and use of water resources in the country.