Kalonzo warns of flood risks as heavy rains hit Kenya

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka urges caution as heavy rains set to intensify across country/ FILE

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to take precautionary measures following a warning by the Kenya Meteorological Department on heavy rains expected to intensify across the country.

In a statement shared on his official X account on March 19, Kalonzo cautioned that the forecasted weather conditions pose significant risks, including flooding, landslides and other hazards, and called on the public to prioritise safety.

“I strongly urge every Kenyan to take this warning seriously,” Kalonzo said, advising citizens to stay away from rivers, valleys and flood-prone areas.

He also warned against crossing flooded roads or low-lying bridges, noting that such actions could put lives at risk.

The Wiper leader encouraged families to remain informed and have emergency plans in place as the rains persist.

“Your safety is paramount. Let us look out for one another especially our elderly, children and neighbours in vulnerable areas,” he said.

Kalonzo further shared emergency contact numbers for response agencies, including police, ambulance services, the National Disaster Operations Centre, the Kenya Red Cross Society and St John Ambulance, urging those in danger to seek immediate assistance.

“Help is available. Call Police, Fire or Ambulance on 999, 112 or 911, the National Disaster Operations Centre on 0800 721 571, Kenya Red Cross Society on 1199, St John Ambulance Kenya on 0800 722 540, or Nairobi City County Emergency on 020-222-2181 or 020-2344-599,” he said.

His remarks come a day after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued an advisory warning that ongoing rains are expected to intensify.

According to the department, rainfall is likely to exceed 20mm within 24 hours in several parts of the country, with peak intensity expected between March 20 and March 23.

“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify,” the department said in its advisory issue dated March 18.

Regions expected to be affected include the Lake Victoria Basin, areas in the Rift Valley and both the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, as well as Nairobi and surrounding counties.

The weather agency warned that the conditions could result in flooding, flash floods and poor visibility, even in areas that may not experience heavy rainfall directly.

“Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” the department cautioned.

Residents living in landslide-prone areas, particularly along the slopes of the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya, have been advised to remain vigilant during the period.

The advisory also urged members of the public to avoid driving or walking through moving water and to steer clear of sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning strikes.