D***hs, traffic jams as El Nino rains return

Heavy rains resumed yesterday in parts of the country, causing death and destruction in their wake.
The government reported three people had died in various parts, bringing the number of deaths to 168 since the rains associated with El Nino weather started in October.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the three deaths were reported in Tharaka Nithi, Nandi and Migori counties.

He sent condolences to the bereaved families and pleaded with citizens to adhere to weather and flood alerts.

“Active plans are underway for the second phase of relief distribution to the affected counties in acknowledgment of the evolving situation. This comprehensive approach ensures that affected populations receive the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild,” said Mwaura.

Traffic congestion caused by flood waters brought Nairobi to a halt with many roads in the city becoming inaccessible in the morning.

Several roads leading to estates were flooded.

Closely monitoring

The government has stepped up coordinated efforts of emergency response teams in collaboration with the public to prevent more tragedies.

It announced that floodwaters were receding in Lamu, Tana River and Garissa counties, with no new cases of displacement of people reported.

The situation is being closely monitored in five counties, including Taita Taveta, Narok, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya, due to a forecast of heavy rainfall and isolated storms in the regions.

“Our coordination efforts with various entities, including government agencies and humanitarian organisations are geared towards delivering essential assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, food distribution, temporary shelter provision, medical care, water and sanitation support as well as restoration of damaged infrastructure,” said Mwaura.

The fresh wave of downpour comes four days after the Kenya Meteorological Department predicted resumption of rains following two weeks’ lull.

The weatherman indicated that the rains will be heavy in the lower half of the country, but will be heavier in Western and Coast regions.

Northern Kenya will, however, be dry, a respite for communities which bore the brunt of destructive rains last month.

“Heavy rainfall is expected in some parts of Kakamega, Vihiga, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Narok counties,” said Benard Chanzu, the deputy director of meteorological services.

He said counties around Mt Kenya, including Nairobi, will this week receive occasional morning rains over a few places that may spread in the evening.

“Some parts of Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru counties may receive heavy rainfall,” he said.

Flood prone area

Chanzu also predicted heavy rains in parts of Ukambani such as Makueni, Kitui and the coastal county of Taita Taveta.

The rest of the coast will have showers over a few places throughout the day.

At least 334 households in Suba South constituency have been displaced by floods while 640 households have had their farms destroyed by floods since El Nino rains began.

The government has said it is planning to allocate funds for constructing dykes along river Lambwe to control flooding that affects residents of Suba South constituency.

The flooding is caused by streams from Gembe and Gwassi hills which connect to river Lambwe. The river is prone to flooding during heavy rains.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi appealed for support from the national government.

The MP said his office had set aside some funds to build offices for chiefs and establish a police post at Nyatoto to improve security in the area.

“I am working closely with the national government to enable the people to benefit. We want to make a difference in the lives of the affected,” Caroli said.