Kenya, Ethiopia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Kenya and southern Ethiopia as of March 28

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing in various locations across Kenya and parts of southern Ethiopia as of March 28. Following a prolonged period of drought, heavy rainfall since March 22 has resulted in flooding in many areas across the region. Authorities have reported at least seven flood-related fatalities in the Kambi Muhindi area of Gilgil in Nakuru County, north of Nairobi, following heavy downpours late March 27. The floods also destroyed several houses in the area. At least 70 families in Kajiado County have been displaced after floods submerged their homes following heavy rainfall late March 26.

Floods have also affected parts of the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan area following heavy rainfall since March 22. As of March 27, authorities have reported one weather-related fatality, and one other person has been injured. More than 100 families have been displaced, and a number of homes have been damaged. The flooding has also led to traffic disruption in the area as floodwaters have inundated many roads. In areas along the border between Kenya and Ethiopia, thousands of people have been displaced, and hundreds of homes have been damaged on both sides of the border. Affected areas include those around the town of Moyale in Marsabit County in northern Kenya and parts of southern Oromia and Somali regions in southern Ethiopia. At least seven fatalities have been reported on the Ethiopian side of the border.

Disruptions in flood-affected areas will probably continue for some time as response and recovery operations are ongoing. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast slightly lower rainfall levels across much of the country from March 28-April 1; however, isolated storms are possible over parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, and northwestern Kenya. Ethiopia's National Meteorological Agency has forecast further light-to-moderate rainfall with occasional heavier downpours across southern regions over the coming days. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the region throughout the rainy season through June. Heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
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 located 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.

Transport
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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

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.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Kenya Meteorological Department