Downpour persists, stay alert-Weatherman – KBC
Kenya Meteorological Department says the ongoing heavy rains that have unleashed deadly floods will persist.
The weatherman is urging Kenyans particularly those in the Nairobi metropolitan area to stay alert warning that there is no let-up in the wet weather.
“The downpour persists! Expect heavy rainfall in select parts of the Nairobi metropolitan area this Monday. Stay alert!” KMD warned.
The weekly weather forecast indicates that rainfall is expected across the country, with heavy rain likely in various regions including Highlands East/West Rift Valley, Nairobi, Lake Victoria basin, Southeast lowlands, Northeastern, and Northwestern.
Sunday night downpour is the worst following the death of 48 people after a dam in Old Kijabe burst, sweeping away tens of people and houses in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha.
Rescuers are digging through debris to find survivors with the death toll expected to go up.
Motorists using the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu road have been affected, as their vehicles were washed away, and some were trapped in the mud.
Water Transport
East Africa Community and ASAL region Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza and her Transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen are among the top government officials who are at the scene to assess the situation.
The Government has said it is coordinating all its relevant agencies and partners to prevent further loss of lives and property, and to support all those who have been affected.
Meanwhile, boat owners, operators and the general public have been urged to exercise extreme caution when using boats in lakes and crossing rivers.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said enforcement measures will be taken by relevant government agencies to ensure strict compliance with the safety guidelines.
Some of the measures include wearing life jackets by boat crew and passengers including children while on board vessels, vessel maintenance, monitoring of weather and water levels and avoiding overload.
Others are emergency equipment such as communication devices, lighting, and first aid kits readily available on the vessels, maintaining a safe distance from other vessels to prevent collisions and immediate communication with other vessels or relevant authorities for emergency assistance when in distress.
“The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs remains committed to promoting maritime safety and urges all water users to adhere to these safety measures for their protection and the safety of others” the CS said in a statement.
“Use the following for Search and Rescue emergency communication: Safaricom: 0721 368 313; Airtel: 0737 719 414; Telkom: 0208007776. The safety of persons using water transport remains the Government’s top priority” he said.
