Kenya: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across much of the country as of Nov. 29 /update 2

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Kenya as of Nov. 29. Heavy rainfall since late October has resulted in several rivers overflowing and widespread flooding across the region. All villages along River Tana are submerged. The Kenyan government urged residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground Nov. 27 due to the ongoing heavy rain and flash floods. Authorities activated a National Disaster Operation Center Nov. 26 but have not declared a national emergency.

Authorities in Kenya have reported at least 120 flood-related fatalities and more than 500,000 people from almost 90,000 households displaced across 112 emergency shelters in recent weeks. Flooding has affected 38 of the country's 47 counties, with the eastern regions the worst affected, including parts of Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties. The floods have also caused widespread damage to thousands of homes, roads, and other infrastructure, prolonged power outages, and disease outbreaks. The Kenya National Highways Authority closed parts of the Garissa-Nairobi Highway, including the Madogo-Garissa road, due to damage, cutting off supplies to Garissa Town. The road is the major supply route to North Eastern Province.

Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely continue for some time as response and recovery operations continue. Further rainfall is forecast to continue over the southern parts of the country with a reduction both in intensity and coverage over the northern parts through Dec. 4; isolated storms and heavy rains are likely to occur over parts of the highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, southern Rift Valley, southeastern lowlands, coastal areas, and northeastern Kenya. Authorities are monitoring all major dams, but Kiambere Dam is the most at risk of overflowing. Further showers are likely throughout the remainder of the Vuli rainy season through December. Heavy downpours will likely trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.