Nyeri: Residents of Nyeri, along with other parts of Kenya, are being cautioned by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) not to ignore advisory statements regarding the ongoing El Nino rains. These rains are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, leading to potential flooding and destruction across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, despite Nyeri being less prone to catastrophic floods and landslides compared to other regions, residents should remain vigilant. This warning follows a workshop on El Nino preparedness, which emphasized the need for preparation in the face of heavy rains. “Our role is to issue forecasts and warnings, but the decision to relocate from high-risk areas ultimately lies with the individuals,” Muiruri stated.
Muiruri also mentioned reports of a landslide in the King’ong’o area near Nyeri town, though he had yet to confirm these. He reiterated the importance of heeding warnings, especially for those living near rivers and in hilly regions.
Nyeri County Deputy Governor David Kinanie reported that three people, including an 11-year-old boy, have tragically lost their lives attempting to cross the flooded River Chania. The Kenya Red Cross (KRC) has warned of escalating humanitarian crises in the next few weeks, with seven counties already experiencing widespread crop destruction and displacement of people and livestock due to flooding.
KRC statistics reveal that 46 people have died due to flash floods, with over 15,000 families displaced and significant losses in livestock and agricultural land. Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Isiolo, Wajir, and Tana River are among the most affected counties. Nyanza, Western, and South Rift regions are also identified as flood hotspots.
KRC Secretary General Idris Ahmed, speaking on Citizen TV, emphasized the need for a 24-hour disaster alert and response system, especially given the forecast for the coming two weeks indicating heightened concerns in western Kenya, the lake basin, and the south rift region. Ahmed disclosed that 29 counties have been affected by flooding, with North Eastern regions being the worst hit.
A KMD report dated August 30, 2023, predicts enhanced rainfall for the October-November-December period across the country. This deviation from the norm is attributed to warmer-than-average Sea Surface Temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, signifying El Nino conditions. Nyeri is among the counties expected to experience significant rainfall during this period.