Counties Likely to Experience Floods & Government’s Preparedness Plans
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a warning that three counties in Kenya are expected to experience floods during the upcoming rainy season.
Speaking to the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, the CS revealed that Kisumu, Busia, and Tana River counties are most likely to face flooding during the short rains period from March to May.
Murkomen explained that the Kenya Meteorological Department had released a forecast indicating near to above-normal rainfall in the western part of the country, while the rest of the nation is expected to receive below-normal rainfall. As a result, the three counties of Kisumu, Busia, and Tana River are at higher risk of flooding.
Despite the risks, Murkomen reassured the public that the government is taking proactive measures to reduce the impact of potential floods. He mentioned that several steps have already been put in place to enhance the country’s preparedness.
These include improving drainage systems in urban areas, especially in towns and cities, to manage excess water during the rains. Additionally, the government is working on rehabilitating critical infrastructure and ensuring the availability of both food and non-food items to aid those affected by floods.
Murkomen also emphasized the importance of having emergency response teams ready to assist in disaster situations. The government has been proactive in issuing early warning alerts and educating the public on disaster preparedness. He highlighted that the government continues to promote soil conservation, reforestation, and other measures to prevent floods.
The government’s flood mitigation strategy also involves repairing and upgrading roads, as well as improving drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding. Additionally, the government is working to raise awareness among stakeholders to ensure better preparedness and coordination.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s seasonal forecast for the March, April, and May period, the “long rains” season is expected to bring near to above-average rainfall over the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands.
The rains are set to begin in two weeks, with Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi expected to receive rainfall in the first two weeks of March. Other regions, including the southeastern lowlands (Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta), will also experience rainfall in the same period.
Several counties in Western Kenya, such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, and parts of the Rift Valley, will also receive significant rainfall. The forecast suggests that the peak of the rains will occur in April, except for the coastal region, which will see its peak in May.
However, the Director of the Department, David Gikungu, cautioned that the rains may be followed by a brief dry spell.
The weather season is expected to have uneven rainfall distribution, with some areas experiencing occasional dry spells. There is also a possibility of storms in certain regions. Overall, the forecast predicts warmer-than-average temperatures, particularly in coastal and northern areas.
With these forecasts in mind, the government is taking all necessary steps to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure that the affected counties are prepared for the challenges posed by the rains.
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