This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
As of April 20, 2020, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rains in various parts of the country, including Nairobi, over the next few days.
The department has advised residents in flood-prone areas to stay on high grounds and be on the lookout for potential floods.
According to Stella Aura, the director of meteorological services, residents in areas such as Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Lamu, Tana-River, Wajir, Marsabit, Taita-Taveta, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Murang'a, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Garissa, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Narok, Migori, Trans-Nzoia, Nandi, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, and Nakuru should be vigilant.
The department has also warned of storm surge along the coast, strong winds, and large waves, which may result in landslides in areas such as the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya, and other hilly areas in the western region.
Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
As reported earlier, the country has been experiencing heavy downpour in some months this year, with the meteorological department predicting rains of above 70 millimeters in parts of Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Kitui counties from March 30 to April 6, 2020.
