The Kenyan government has issued evacuation orders for residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs as heavy rains persist in the region.
The interior ministry cautioned that these water bodies “have filled up or are nearly filled up and may spill over any time, posing a high risk to persons living in their neighbourhood.”
Affected residents, including those within a 30-metre (98-foot) wetland corridor of the Nairobi River, were given 24 hours from 18:30 local time on Thursday to evacuate.
Recent heavy rains have triggered severe flooding and landslides across Kenya and Tanzania, resulting in significant loss of life. In Kenya alone, 188 people have died since March, with an additional 90 missing. Tanzania has reported 155 fatalities.
A mudslide near Mai Mahiu claimed the lives of at least 50 people, while flooding has impacted the capital, Nairobi.
Authorities anticipate a worsening situation in the coming days with the forecasted arrival of more extreme weather conditions. Nairobi, in particular, is expected to be heavily affected by Cyclone Hidaya, which could bring heavy rainfall, large waves, and strong winds.
The interior ministry emphasised that evacuations should commence at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and not be conducted at night. Temporary shelters, food, and essentials have been arranged for evacuees at assembly points.
Areas near the Nairobi Dam and Titanic Dam, as well as buildings within the Nairobi River wetland area, are included in the evacuation order. The exact number of people affected by the evacuation order remains unclear.
The Kenyan government has faced criticism for its perceived slow response to the ongoing natural disaster. However, President William Ruto’s office has stated that a comprehensive approach involving the entire government is underway.
Following a cabinet meeting, Ruto’s office announced increased assistance to flood victims with food and non-food items and pledged to implement measures, programmes, and policies to mitigate the effects of climate change, which is seen as a significant factor behind the extreme weather conditions.
The Indian Ocean Dipole, characterised by opposing areas of warm and cold surface water, is identified as one of the primary drivers of the heavy rains, exacerbated by climate change-induced warmer surface temperatures.
