302 Households Displaced After Floods Hit Tana River County [Photos]

Floods have displaced at least 302 households in Tana River County and affected 3,156 others. 

In a statement on Friday, October 30, the Kenya Red Cross said the floods have been triggered by the ongoing heavy rains on the Kenyan coast. 

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According to the organization, Tulu and Minjila dams in the Tana Delta have overflowed, sending floodwaters into nearby villages and homes.

“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,” read the statement in part. 

Kenya Red Cross noted that the heavy rains have also affected Lamu County, where some homes in Hindi and Witu have started experiencing flooding.

The organization also said 175 of the 302 displaced households have received food supplies, tarpaulins and blankets from the county and national governments.

“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,” Kenya Red Cross added. 

Further, the humanitarian organization said its teams are on the ground alongside partners, assessing needs and standing with affected families as the rains continue.

The flooding comes after the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours across 45 counties this week. 

In a weather forecast on Sunday, October 25, KMSA said the heavy rainfall will be accompanied by gusty winds, with strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots in coastal, eastern and northern regions.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall exceeding 20 mm within 24 hours is anticipated over the counties in Coast, Northeastern, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands (including some parts of Nairobi) and parts of the Southeastern Lowlands.

“The rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds and strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) over coastal, eastern and northern regions,” read the forecast in part. 

The counties set to experience heavy downpour include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega. 

Others are Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a and Kirinyaga.

Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties will also receive heavy rains during the week. 

The authority urged residents in the 45 counties to remain vigilant for potential flash floods and poor visibility during the rainfall.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas should remain vigilant for potential flash floods and poor visibility,” KMSA stated. 

The weatherman also warned that flooding may occur even in areas that have not experienced heavy rainfall, particularly downstream, where water can flow from areas receiving intense precipitation.

“To ensure safety, residents are advised to avoid shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,” KMSA said.