This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Heavy rainfall in East Africa has been attributed to the Positive Indian Ocean Dipole, a climate phenomenon that affects the region's weather patterns.
According to climate scientists, the Indian Ocean Dipole describes an irregular oscillation or variation of Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) between the Eastern and Western parts of the Indian Ocean.
On December 4, 2019, at 3am, the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasted continued heavy rainfall in the country, which was expected to reduce in intensity over the weekend.
Counties that were most affected by the heavy rainfall included Narok, Kajiado, Bomet, Kericho, and Nakuru, among others.
Dr. David Gikungu, the Deputy Director of Meteorological Services, advised the public to be cautious of potential floods in the affected areas, warning that flood waters may suddenly appear even in places where it has not rained heavily.
He also advised motorists to avoid driving through moving water to avoid drowning and those in landslide-prone areas to be on alert, as the heavy rainfall could lead to landslides.
