The Kenyan government has issued a flood alert across five regions of the country as storms are anticipated to hit over the weekend. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has warned residents in the North Eastern, South Eastern, Coast, Central, and South Rift Valley regions to prepare for potential flooding as heavy rains sweep through the areas. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), the rains are likely to persist over the next five days, gradually subsiding next week.
This development follows a week of intense rainfall that caused flooding in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin and North Western regions. Disaster response efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of the heavy downpour, which has already displaced hundreds of families and destroyed significant agricultural land.
Floods Impact Communities in Kisumu County
In Kisumu County, which has been particularly affected, several sub-counties are grappling with the aftermath of the deluge. Evacuation efforts are ongoing in Kapuothe, Nanga, Lower Katuoro, Wigwa, and parts of Dunga in Kisumu Central Sub-county, where around 200 households have been displaced. The Ministry of Interior reports that disaster response teams, coordinated by National Government Administration officers, are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance to the affected communities.
A total of 47 households from Nanga have been relocated to Nanga Primary School, where they are receiving humanitarian support. Aid organizations, including the State Department for Special Programmes and the Red Cross, have stepped in to provide essential services and supplies to the displaced families.
In Kisumu East Sub-county, floods have wreaked havoc in villages such as Onjweru, Kanyawade, Kaloo, Kodie, Awuor Ajwang’, Kodeyo, Alara, Kowuore, Kabuong Kanyawade, Kamiendi, and parts of Kachola. Approximately 140 households in these areas have been affected, with families struggling to cope with the sudden inundation.
Agricultural Losses Mount
The floods have also caused significant damage to agricultural land, with an estimated 100 acres of crops washed away. This poses a threat to food security in the affected regions, with many smallholder farmers bearing the brunt of the losses.
The government has emphasized the importance of cooperation from residents in flood-prone areas, urging them to adhere to evacuation orders and follow safety guidelines provided by disaster response teams.
Broader Weather Impacts
David Gikungu, the Director General of the Kenya Meteorological Department, has confirmed that rainfall will persist across various regions, including the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South-eastern lowlands, the Coastal region, and parts of North-western and North-eastern Kenya.
The Ministry of Interior has cautioned communities living near rivers, lakes, and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and prepare for possible water level surges. Motorists have also been advised to exercise caution on flooded roads, as the weather could create hazardous driving conditions.
Government and Community Response
Disaster response teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents. Humanitarian agencies, including the Red Cross, are providing food, water, and medical aid to displaced families, while government officials are monitoring the situation to coordinate relief efforts effectively.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department. In addition, local authorities are mobilizing resources to bolster flood response measures and minimize the impact on vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
As the rains continue, the Kenyan government remains committed to addressing the immediate needs of flood-affected regions while preparing for the broader challenges posed by the adverse weather. The collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and affected communities will be critical in managing the crisis and supporting recovery efforts in the weeks ahead.
