Over 300 households displaced as floods hit Tana River County

Over 300 households displaced as floods hit Tana River County - Overflowing dams sent floodwaters into villages and homes in Tana River County. (Photo: Kenya Red Cross)

The flooding comes amid warnings of heavy rainfall across the country, with the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting moderate to heavy downpours in several counties.

More than 300 households have been displaced by flooding in Tana River County following heavy rains along Kenya’s Coast, with more than 3,000 other households affected.

The Kenya Red Cross said the overflow of Tulu and Minjila dams in Tana Delta sent floodwaters into villages and homes, displacing 302 households.

A further 3,156 households have been affected by the flooding, according to the humanitarian agency.

In an update, the agency said 175 of the displaced households had received emergency assistance, including food, tarpaulins and blankets, from the county and national governments.

“Heavy rains along Kenya's coast have caused flooding in Tana River County. In Tana Delta, Tulu and Minjila dams have overflowed, sending water into villages and homes.

“302 households have been displaced and a further 3,156 households affected. Of the 302 displaced households, 175 have so far received food, tarpaulins and blankets from the county and national government and the remaining families are expected to be reached soon,” read the statement in part.

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The flooding comes amid warnings of heavy rainfall across the country, with the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting moderate to heavy downpours in several counties.

In a weather forecast issued on Sunday, October 25, the department said rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours was expected in 45 counties, including Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale.

The rains were expected to be accompanied by gusty winds, with strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots forecast for coastal, eastern and northern regions.

Other counties covered by the forecast include Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru.

The warning also covered Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni.

The department cautioned that flooding could occur even in areas that had not experienced heavy rainfall, particularly downstream areas receiving runoff from locations experiencing intense precipitation.

It urged residents in affected areas to remain alert for possible flash floods and poor visibility, while advising them to avoid sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning strikes.