Experts warn of flood risk in Nairobi from next month
Nairobi, Coast, Eastern and North Eastern regions are likely to be hit by flash floods between March and May, meteorology experts meeting in Mombasa said.
Some parts of Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania are also set to experience floods over the period.
“Despite the fact that at the end of the season whatever amounts you have might not be sufficient, one small rainfall event in one day will give rise to floods in those areas,” Kenya Meteorological Department director Peter Ambenje said.
The Environment ministry has also warned of dry weather as the La Nina phenomenon develops over the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking at the 48th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum for March to May 2018 season at Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Mr Ambenje said there is increased likelihood of normal to above normal rain in parts of the region.
He assured Greater Horn of Africa countries including Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda that the World Meteorological Organisation will provide El Nino status reports.
“In areas of enhanced rainfall there will be a chance of flooding,” Mr Ambenje said. “These are South Sudan, Western Ethiopia, South Western Uganda, North Eastern Rwanda and Southern Tanzania. In Kenya we are not safe.”