Kenya Red Cross Cautions Kenyans About Imminent Floods In Over 40 Counties: "Be Vigilant"

• Forty-four counties in Kenya could be affected by the floods resulting from the heavy rains projected in the coming days
• The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) announced that heavy rains will pound this weekend through Sunday, April 14
• Anticipating drastic after-effects of the floods, the Kenya Red Cross counselled Kenyans in the said areas to be vigilant and take precautions

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

The Kenya Red Cross has put Kenyans in 44 counties on notice over the likelihood of floods due to the anticipated heavy rains.

In its advisory on Saturday, April 13, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) projected heavy rains above 40mm in 44 counties.

What was Kenya Red Cross's caution to Kenyans?

The Lake Basin Region, Rift Valley, the Highland West and East of Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Southeastern lowlands, the coast, and the northern regions would experience heavy rainfall.

”The heavy rainfall (of more than 40mm in 24hrs) is predicted over Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeastern Lowlands and South coast on 14th April, 2024,” partly read the agency's issue.

The counties to be likely affected are; Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisil, Nyamira, Nandi, Kerichvo, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West-Pokot, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Marsabit, Garissa and Isiolo.

Anticipating the devastating effects of the floods, the Kenya Red Cross urged Kenyans to be vigilant and take precautions.

"The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory. Residents in the mentioned areas are urged to remain vigilant for possible floods and flash floods," said the organisation.

Effects of heavy rains in Homa Bay

Meanwhile, the ongoing rainfall, pounding most parts of the country for the last three weeks, has destroyed homes, farms, and property and left many homeless and vulnerable to sickness. A

In Homa Bay county, floods resulting from the rainfall have displaced residents of Kamenya, Kawuor-Agindo, Kasirawa, K'Onyango, Kamuga, Kosano, Nyaola and Kolonde villages.

Villagers who lost most of their property are camping in a church and Simbi Dispensary.

Margaret Aoko, who was recently widowed, was heartbroken that the floods covered her husband's fresh grave and the house she was living in, making it inhabitable.

The mother of nine told TUKO.co.ke that she was taking care of her eight grandchildren, whose parents had died. Homa Bay woman with 8 grandchildren displaced by floods.

She had neither food nor bedding for her grandchildren at the makeshift shelter.

George Oburu, Assistant Chief Kobala Sub-location, expressed fear that the swelling River Miriu could destroy more houses as it continued to overflow to neighbouring villages.

The administrator called on residents near the river to move to higher ground to avert the risk of loss of life and property.

At least 540 households in Wangchieng' ward have been affected by the floods.

In the Central Karachuonyo location, over 150 households have been affected and displaced as water from River Tende, an inlet to Lake Victoria, overflowed, submerged houses, and swept farms.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.