The heavy rains pounding most parts of the country will continue in May, the Meteorological department has forecast.
Speaking at the Kenya Meteorological department headquarters in Nairobi on August 30, the institute’s director Dr David Gikungu urged Kenyans to continue bracing for flash floods, lightining strikes, disease outbreaks and landslides/mudslides in parts of the country.
Dr Gikungu said: “Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia, Bungoma, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nakuru, Narok and Western parts of Laikipia Counties are expected to receive above average (enhanced) throughout May with occasional storms being experienced in some areas,”.
At the same time, the director said enhanced rainfall is also expected to occur in Turkana and Samburu counties with occasional storms being experienced.
“At the same time, enhanced rainfall is expected to engulf Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and eastern parts of Laikipia Counties throughout May with intensity during the first week…
“Occasional storms are also likely to be experienced,” Dr Gikungu observed.
The director identified Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties as areas that are expected to receive occasional rainfall during the month which will range from near to enhanced rains.
“ Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni Machakos, Taita Taveta and parts of Tana River counties are expected to receive occasional rainfall which will be near to enhanced rains with occasional storms occurring…
“During the period, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale and parts of Tana River Counties are likely to have near to enhanced rainfall with occasional storms. May marks the peak of the long rains season in the Coastal strip,”.
Dr Gikungu warned that there is a likelihood of flooding in low-lying areas and flood plains especially over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Coastal region as well as in poorly drained urban centres where rainfall is expected.
“Relevant authorities are therefore advised to put in place measures to avert possible negative impacts that may arise….
“County Governments are also advised to clear drainages in good time to avert artificial flooding of the urban areas. The public are advised not to drive or walk through flooded rivers or moving waters,”.
At the same time, the director warned that cases of lightning strikes are still likely over the Lake Victoria Basin and Highlands West of the Rift Valley, especially in Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Bungoma (Mt. Elgon areas), and Kakamega Counties.
“The public are advised not to shelter near metallic structures or under trees to avoid the risk of lightning strikes, which could lead to loss of life,”.
Dr Gikungu said the risk of vector-borne diseases, notably Malaria, is anticipated, particularly in regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, and the Coastal region.
“Additionally, flood-prone areas, particularly in the Lake Victoria region, may experience outbreaks of waterborne diseases….
“Health authorities are therefore, advised to strategically position and redistribute medical supplies and insect-treated nets in the affected areas.
The director added: “At the same time, public health education efforts focusing on disease prevention, as well as initiatives promoting Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), should be intensified to mitigate the spread of diseases among these vulnerable communities,”.
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