Kenya: Flooding kills at least nine March 16 /update 1

Event

Heavy rains caused flash flooding throughout Kenya on Thursday, March 15, resulting in at least nine fatalities and blocking roads. According to media reports, six people died in Mwingi, two in Kajiado, and one in Mai Mahiu. Officials closed Mombasa Road after the Athi River Bridge was covered in water.  Several parts of Nairobi were also impacted by flooding, including the Central Business District and major roads, causing significant traffic disruptions.

On Friday, March 16, the Meteorological department said that an additional 50 mm (2 in) of rain are forecast across the country. The Met warned residents in urban and low-laying areas that additional flooding may occur over the next five days.

Context

Kenya typically experiences a rainy season beginning in late April and lasting until early June. Meteorologists believe that the early arrival of the rains this year is the result of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, an eastward-moving low pressure system that carries clouds and rain around tropical regions over a 30 to 60 day period. The flooding in Nairobi was also made worse by the state of the city’s insufficient drainage system, under increasing pressure due to urbanization and population growth.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and the Zika virus, tends to rise after periods of heavy rains.