The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET) Issues a Warning
In a recent announcement, the Kenya Meteorological Department (MET) has issued a stern warning to all Kenyan citizens, urging them to prepare for an extended period of heavy rainfall across the nation. According to a statement released on Tuesday, MET has highlighted that the precipitation is expected to persist throughout the country. However, it is anticipated that the rainfall amounts will gradually diminish as the week progresses.
MET has specifically noted that stormy conditions are likely to manifest in various regions, including the Highlands to the East and West of the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, and the Coast.
While most areas of the country can expect rain during the morning, afternoon, and evening, thunderstorms are anticipated in several regions, such as the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and North-western Kenya.
MET has taken proactive measures to empower Kenyans in tracking incoming storms through the FASTA Ken app, which is available for online access. Additionally, the department advises the general populace to adapt to changing weather patterns while also preparing for unforeseen contingencies that may not have been accounted for in the forecasts.
It is important to note that Kenya has been witnessing a continuous increase in precipitation since late October. Although MET initially forecasted El-Nino rains for the last quarter of 2023, the prediction was later revised to 'heavy rains.' As a consequence, numerous parts of the country have already experienced flooding, causing disruptions to transportation and widespread chaos.
Since the onset of the rainy season, flooding has severely impacted transport, with the Thika-Juja Road and a section of the Chemilil-Muhoroni Highway being swept away by the deluge. Furthermore, two landslides occurred along the Meru-Mikinduri-Maua Road within a 24-hour span over the previous weekend, resulting in road closures.
The rainy season is anticipated to persist until early next year, necessitating vigilance and preparedness among Kenyan residents.
