This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
NAIROBI, Kenya - April 21, 2020
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in five regions, including Nairobi, from Tuesday.
According to Director-General Stella Aura, the affected areas will experience torrential rains, with the intensity of the rains in Western and central regions, including Nairobi, expected to increase to 40mm in 24 hours between Thursday and Friday this week.
At least 12 people have been killed by Monday, following mudslides occasioned by heavy rains in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, where 4,000 people were displaced.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has ordered the evacuation of locals to higher grounds to avert another crisis in the area.
Kenya Air Force has been airlifting relief supplies to the affected people since Sunday to help alleviate their suffering in the humanitarian crisis.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has appealed to the public to heed to the metrological department's advisory on climatic changes in order to save lives and property.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has urged all Governors to play their role in preventing and containing such disasters, while assuring that the government was ready to support the affected families with food and other basic needs.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter has warned that all dams in the country are full at maximum capacity due to the torrential rains, and that people living in the lower parts of Garissa and Tana River must move to the safest surfaces as soon as possible because there will be flooding.
