Brace for a wet December, says weatherman

By , K24 Digital
On Thu, 5 Dec, 2019 11:47 | < 1 min read
Ruiru floods
Rain water flooded homes in Ruiru, Kiambu County on Wednesday night, December 4, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY
Rain water flooded homes in Ruiru, Kiambu County on Wednesday night, December 4, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY

The Kenya Meteorological Department has cautioned Kenyans to brace themselves for more heavy rainfall in the next few days.

According to the weatherman, the rainfall is likely to intensify up to Friday.

However, from Saturday December 7, the intensity and coverage is likely to decrease.

Ag. Director of Meteorological department David Gikungu said that heavy rainfall is expected in Nairobi, Kajiado, Bomet, Nakuru, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Homabay, Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Machakos, and Makueni counties.

Mr Gikunyi said the listed counties are likely to experience floods.

“Residents in landslide prone areas around the Aberdare Ranges, Mt Kenya and other hilly areas over Western region should be on high alert,” he said.

The public has also been warned to avoid driving through or walking in moving waters or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lighting strikes.

In a press released on Wednesday, December 4, Mr Gikungu explained that the heavy rainfall that is being experienced across the country has led to high flows in most rivers.

The rainfall, he added, is expected to continue throughout December with occasional breaks.

He advised Kenyans living in low-lying regions and hilly grounds to be alert since flooding and landslides may occur. Since the country started experiencing heavy rains, tens of lives have been lost and over 17,000 people displaced by floods.