Met warns of heavy rains, strong winds from Sunday – KBC

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains for the next five days.

Through an advisory, the department said the rains expected to start Friday will be intense from this Sunday to Tuesday next week.

“The Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin region, northwestern, parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi as well as the Coastal region are expected to receive moderate rainfall from Friday 5th to Tue 9th of June 2020. The rains are expected to intensify from Sunday 7th to Tuesday 9th 2020 to over 20mm in 24 hours ”, said KMD director Stella Aura.

Residents living along major river basins in the affected areas are advised to be on the lookout as the levels of the rivers and dams are expected to rise.

People living in landslide-prone areas especially in Western Kenya and other hilly areas should look out for cracks in the ground and take the necessary measures to safeguard their lives and property. Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields.

Areas of concern are Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, West Pokot, Samburu, Turkana, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa and Lamu.

The heavy rains accompanied by strong winds may result in rough seas along the Coast.

“Fishermen and the entire maritime industry should be on high alert. All are urged to listen to local media as updates will be provided if conditions change significantly” added the director.

285 have lost their lives following the heavy rains experienced in most parts of the country for the last two months. 810,655 others have been affected by the floods.

The rains which have left a trail of destruction are expected to continue until the end of June.