This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Heavy rains have been pounding many parts of Kenya, and the situation is expected to persist until the end of December, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Published on December 3, 2019, the department warned that the heavy rains will continue to affect many areas, with Western Kenya, the Lake Basin region, and Rift Valley expected to experience strong rainfall.
Acting Deputy Director at the Kenya Meteorological Department, Bernard Chanzu, explained that the unusual phenomenon of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has been triggered by irregular fluctuations in sea-surface temperatures, leading to extremely rainy conditions.
‘This year’s Indian Ocean Dipole has been touted as among the strongest on record, with opposite effects for countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Southern Somalia, Uganda, and parts of Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia,’ Mr Chanzu said.
He cautioned that those living in prone areas should be on the lookout and take action on warnings relayed by experts through the different media outlets and the meteorological department.
‘The ground is now so soggy and saturated with water that just a little more additional amount could trigger a massive mudslide or landslide. Rivers are also breaking their banks and sweeping away people and households,’ Mr Chanzu warned.
