The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) has issued a flood alert for residents in the Upper and Lower Tana River Basins due to heavy rainfall, posing a significant risk of flooding in the region.
The recent report from the Kenya Meteorological Department highlighted a surge in rainfall in the Nyambene Hills catchment area, spanning Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, leading to a notable increase in the flow of the Tana River.
“Of particular concern is the surge in rainfall within the Nyambene Hills catchment area, spanning Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, resulting in a significant increase in the flow of the Tana River,” the statement read.
In the statement dated April 9th, it was noted that this surge has broken Tana River’s banks in Garissa, affecting areas towards the Tana Delta.
TARDA Warns of Rising Water Levels
“As a consequence, this has caused a substantial rise in the Tana River flow overtopping the banks at Garissa and inundating the adjacent areas towards the Tana Delta,” said the Authority.
Water levels along the Tana River in Garissa, the statement adds, have risen drastically, surpassing the 4-meter flood alarm threshold by over 1 meter.
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The levels peaked at 5.14 meters on April 8, 2024, and remained high at 4.92 meters on April 9, 2024.
Additionally, heavy rainfall in the Mount Kenya and Aberdare catchments has resulted in significant rises in the levels of Seven Forks dams, with Masinga and Kiambere dam levels having reported below their full supply capacity.
“As of 09/04/2024 at 05:00hrs, Masinga and Kiambere dam levels were reported at 1.41m and 1.03m respectively below their full supply capacity,” TARDA added.
In response to these developments, TARDA has assured the public that it is actively monitoring the dam levels along the Tana River to ensure the safety of all communities in the area.
Call to action
Furthermore, the authority has urged residents in the Lower and Upper Tana Basins to stay vigilant and prepared, emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings issued by relevant authorities and taking necessary precautions to protect their families and property.
“Keep updated with weather forecasts and advisories to ensure your safety & preparedness. Remember to heed any alerts from local authorities and play your part in keeping our communities safe.”
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Also, TARDA reiterated its dedication to collaborating with various stakeholders from different sectors to assess the flood situation and provide essential guidance on relocating to safer areas in coordination with relevant agencies.
Residents have been encouraged to contact TARDA for any further inquiries at 020 3341781/82/90 or via email at [email protected].
The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority is a body designated under Section 3 of the TARDA Act Cap 443 as the government agency responsible for regulating the management and use of all projects within the Tana and Athi River Basin.
