Kenya: Flooding in Tana River and Samburu counties April 11-13 /update 3

Event

At least one person has died and 3000 more people have been displaced due to flooding in Tana River county as of Friday, April 13. Furthermore, three people were reported missing after floods hit the village of Arsin in Samburu county on Wednesday, April 11. Significant flood-related material damages were also reported in affected areas, as well as resulting transportation disruptions (flooded or blocked roads).

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, continued rainfall is forecast through Wednesday, April 18, across most of Kenya. Consequent flooding is possible nationwide, as well as associated transportation disruptions and infrastructural damage, in the coming days.

Context

Kenya typically experiences a rainy season beginning in late April and lasting until early June. The rains arrived early this year (in March); meteorologists believe that this 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.

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 (e.g. evacuation orders). 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.