Heavy rains and strong winds have caused widespread disruption in Mombasa County and Kwale County, leaving dozens of households affected and critical infrastructure inaccessible.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, in Mombasa, 103 households have been affected, with nine people displaced across Jomvu, Kisauni, Changamwe and Likoni sub-counties
Homes in Freretown sustained significant damage after strong winds blew off roofs, while flooding was reported in several low-lying areas.
Flash floods were also recorded in Nyali, disrupting transport and normal activities in parts of the coastal city.
According to Red Cross, access to healthcare services was hampered after Jomvu Model Hospital and Tudor Sub-County Health Facility became inaccessible due to flooding.
In neighbouring Kwale County, five households in Lungalunga and Vanga were affected as the heavy rains continued.
Kenya Red Cross said the search is ongoing for a boda boda rider who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge near the Shimba Hills.
Red Cross said assessments are ongoing as response teams work to assist affected families and determine the full extent of the damage.
In the latest Kenya Met weather forecast, the Coast region will be among the hardest hit, with rainfall likely to exceed 40mm within 24 hours in some areas.
The department also warned that the rains may be accompanied by gusty winds exceeding 25 knots.
“Sea waves are expected to reach heights of more than two metres along the Coast,” the Met said, cautioning residents and those engaging in marine activities to take extra care.
The Department warned that heavy rains are set to intensify across several parts of the country between April 22 and April 27, raising concerns over possible floods, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions.
Rainfall will continue in multiple regions but is expected to become heavier within the five days starting at 3 am on April 22 through to 9 am on April 27.
“Rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the country and is likely to intensify from April 22 to April 27,” the Met said.
Counties expected to be affected include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
The advisory also covers Nairobi, parts of Kiambu and Murang’a, as well as the southeastern counties of Kitui, Makueni and Taita Taveta.
The department noted that the forecast carries a moderate probability of occurrence, meaning there is a 33 to 66 per cent chance that the conditions will materialise.
Flash floods in the Coast region following heavy rains / Screengrab Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant, particularly due to the heightened risk of flash floods and poor visibility.
“People in all the mentioned areas should remain alert for potential floods, flash floods and reduced visibility,” the advisory stated.
The Met warned that flooding could occur even in areas that may not receive heavy rainfall directly, especially in downstream locations.
Flash floods in the Coast region following heavy rains / Kenya Red Cross X
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