Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in parts of Tana River County after a seasonal river in Wardesa burst its banks, affecting more than 300 households.
In a statement on November 13, the Kenya Red Cross said the flooding affected families in Eldera, Kono Ramadha, and Mata Wardesa, and that the Kono Ramadha-Mlanjo road was cut off.
The organization said its response teams were on the ground assessing the situation and coordinating with local administrators to alert communities downstream and guide affected families to safer locations.
“A seasonal river at Wardesa has burst its banks, affecting more than 300 households in Eldera, Kono Ramadha and Mata Wardesa. The Kono Ramadha-Mlanjo road is cut off.
Our teams are on the ground assessing needs and working with the local administration to alert communities downstream and guide families on where to go for safety,” read the statement.
Floods Leave Hundreds of Families at Risk
Additionally, heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of the North Rift region, affecting Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Samburu counties.
In Elgeyo Marakwet County, the Soko Bora area was cut off on Thursday after the Embobut River burst its banks, leaving motorists and commuters stranded.
The flooding submerged Sokobora Bridge, disrupting movement along the Kapsowar-Eldoret route. Residents said the heavy rainfall began in the afternoon, forcing motorists and other road users to suspend their journeys.
Motorists were advised to exercise caution and avoid attempting to cross the flooded river, while residents were warned against going near riverbanks as water levels continued to rise.
In West Pokot County, several families were left counting losses after floodwaters destroyed homes, submerged farms, swept away livestock and damaged roads.
Additionally, a footbridge connecting Arol and Tandapos in Adurkoit was swept away on Wednesday night, cutting off an important link between the two areas.
Also Read: El Niño? Heavy Rains and Storm Leave Four Injured as Hotels and Businesses Are Destroyed
KMSA Advisory for Flooded Areas
This follows a forecast from the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) of rainfall across several parts of the country between 10 and 16 November 2026, warning residents to prepare for possible flooding and other weather-related impacts.
In its seven-day weather forecast released on November 9, the meteorological agency said rainfall was expected across much of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, Coast, Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya.
The agency warned that some areas were likely to receive substantial rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours, while isolated locations could record cumulative rainfall amounts of more than 120mm during the forecast period.
On temperatures, KMSA projected hot daytime conditions, with average maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C in parts of Garissa, Wajir, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu and Turkana counties.
KMSA urged residents to stay updated on official weather forecasts and advisories and take necessary precautions in areas expected to receive heavy rainfall.
It also advised communities to stay alert for possible flooding and other weather-related impacts, and to take appropriate measures to cope with high daytime temperatures and cool nights.
Also Read: El Niño Is Coming. Here Are the Three Floods Kenya Should Prepare For
As part of its early action guidelines, the agency warned pedestrians and motorists against walking or driving through flooded roads, rivers, bridges and other waterways.
Residents were also advised not to shelter under trees or stand near isolated tall structures during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning strikes.
Motorists were urged to reduce their speed, maintain safe following distances and use headlights whenever visibility deteriorates.
KMSA further cautioned people living on or below steep slopes, unstable hillsides, and in landslide-prone areas to watch for warning signs, including cracks in the ground, leaning trees, unusual ground movement, and sudden changes in water flow.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for in-depth interviews.
