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The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a safety advisory to motorists in light of rising floodwaters at Mororo, a region situated at the border of Tana River and Garissa Counties.

The flooding risk has increased due to heavy rains and the rising water levels at the Seven Forks Dam, which is approaching full capacity.

KeNHA statement

In a statement, KeNHA warned that a section of the A3 road in Mororo has been compromised, with one lane already affected by the flooding.

The authority indicated that the floodwaters could lead to further damage to road infrastructure and pose safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

“KeNHA alerts motorists of the rising floodwaters at the Tana River Bridge in the Mororo area, triggered by ongoing heavy rains. The Seven Forks Dam is nearing full capacity, heightening the risk of further flooding,” KeNHA stated.

“Currently, a section of the A3 Road at Mororo has been compromised, with one lane already affected. As the rains persist and the dam reaches its limits, the water levels are expected to rise, exacerbating damage to the road infrastructure and posing significant safety hazards to motorists and pedestrians.”

The authority has its contractors on standby to address any washouts once the floodwaters recede. KeNHA advised motorists to exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with authorities to mitigate the impact of the flooding.

“Motorists are urged to exercise vigilance, adhere to safety guidelines, and cooperate with authorities to mitigate the impact of the ongoing flooding. KeNHA remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of all road users and will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise accordingly,” the statement concluded.

The warning comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a weather update indicating that more rainfall is expected in the coming days.

According to the weatherman’s advisory on Thursday, April 25, 2024, heavy rains will persist across several parts of the country, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Nairobi area, the Southeast lowlands, the northern region, and the coastal area.

The met department mentioned that these rains, expected from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27, could be accompanied by gusty winds.

Counties set to be affected

The rains are likely to affect multiple counties, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.

Residents in these areas are advised to be alert to potential floods and poor visibility. The met department also cautioned residents to avoid walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.

Additionally, those in landslide-prone areas should remain vigilant, and people living near downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should exercise caution.

Finally, the met department noted that strong winds could blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage, urging residents to take necessary precautions.