Gov’t orders immediate evacuation in Tana, Garissa after Kiambere Dam overflows

The government has ordered the immediate evacuation of communities living downstream of the Kiambere Dam over fears of imminent flooding following days of heavy rainfall in the Mt. Kenya and Aberdare catchment areas.

Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, in a statement released on Friday, warned that Kiambere Dam, the last in the Seven Forks hydropower cascade, has exceeded its full supply level, posing a real and present danger to downstream communities.

He therefore urged communities within Garissa, Hola, Garsen, and the broader Lower Tana River basin to vacate and move to higher areas, as they remain the most vulnerable

“Under the prevailing circumstances, we hereby issue an immediate voluntary evacuation directive to all communities living downstream of the multipurpose reservoir,” stated PS Omollo.

“Residents living downstream and those within the proximity of the spillway zones, particularly those in Garissa and Tana River counties, are at greater risk. We urge these communities to move to higher ground without delay.”

The Interior PS noted that emergency protocols are underway, with teams from KenGen, the National Disaster Operations Centre, and local Disaster Response Committees coordinating the evacuation.

Kenya Red Cross Society and Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) are also on standby for rescue operations.

He cited the recent weather forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department predicting rainfall to begin on Friday through to Tuesday, saying it called for caution over potential flooding and monitoring of the inflow patterns and reservoir levels at Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, and Kindaruma Dams.

“KenGen is also undertaking other precautionary measures, key among them controlled spillages, to safeguard the structural integrity of the reservoirs. To avert potential loss of life, we are deploying all available resources in coordination with local government administrators (NGAOs), who are actively securing temporary shelters in public schools, churches, and other designated government facilities,” added Dr. Omollo.

“Public health officials are also mobilising humanitarian support mechanisms to provide immediate relief and safe refuge for affected families.”

Residents in the affected regions have thus been implored to prioritise their safety and comply with government directives.