T h e Ke n y a Me t e o ro l o g i c a l Department has warned Kenyans to brace themselves for flash floods, lightning strikes, landslides and mudslides as well as outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, malaria and malnutrition during the March to May long-rains season.
Speaking to Health Business Magazine, Meteorological Services director, Mr Peter Ambenje said communities living in areas which are expected to receive near-normal to above- normal (enhanced) rainfall are expected to grapple with outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera and malaria.
“This will be due to the high volume of water that will engulf those areas. However, the scenario will be different in areas which will experience below normal (depressed) rainfall where malnutrition is expected to occur due to scarcity of water and food,” Mr Ambenje said.
Mr Ambenje added: “I would therefore, urge health authorities to ensure they equipped hospitals with necessary drugs to be able to deal with such incidences as they occur.”
The counties that will receive heavy rainfall are Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Baringo, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kajiado, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nairobi and some parts of Marsabit, Machakos and Makueni. Mr Ambenje observed that lightning strikes are highly likely to occur in Western Kenya especially within Kisii and Kakamega counties.
“The National Disaster Operations Centre is, therefore, advised to be on standby in order to ensure mitigation of any negative impacts that may arise,” added the director.
