CS Keter urges those living in Garissa, Tana River to move after Met warning on heavy rains, floods

Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the ongoing rains will increase, exposing Kenyans in risk-prone areas to flooding and landslides.

Stella Aura, the Director Kenya Met Department noted that the long rains which began in March may continue until June 2020.

Ms Aura advised Kenyans to heed to the routine updates from MET for their own safety and the safety of their property.

Speaking on Monday during the same press conference, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i asked Kenyans who live in risk-prone areas to move to higher ground.

“Do not ignore these directives from your leaders and experts, heed the warning and move to safer, higher grounds,” CS Matiang’i said.

Some regions which are likely to be affected by floods and land slides are parts of; Murang’a, Taita Taveta, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Kisumu.

At the same time, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter noted that a majority of Kenyan dams are now full to the brim, exposing those who live near them to danger.

CS Keter noted that those living near the dams especially in Tana River and Garissa would experience increased water volumes in the next two days.

“The Eastern hydros are currently full to the maximum and there is already spillage from Masinga Dam. In the next 2 days, those living on the lower part of Garissa & Tana River will experience a lot of water and must move to the safest upper regions immediately,”CS Keter said.

The latest comes a day after four people were killed and 23 reported missing after a massive landslide ravaged Chesegon area at the Elgeyo Marakwet-West Pokot border.