25 Apr 2023 | 08:55 AM UTC
Kenya: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Kisumu County as of April 25
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Kisumu County, Kenya, as of April 25. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Kisumu County as of April 25. Heavy rainfall across much of Kenya in recent days has led to rising levels in the rivers that drain into Lake Victoria, and several of these rivers in Kisumu County have burst their banks. The worst-affected areas include Central and East Kolwa wards in Kisumu East constituency. Hundreds of families have been displaced across the county due to their homes being submerged by the floods, including around 400 families in Central Kolwa. Numerous roads in the region have also been made impassable by floodwaters.
Disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas as response and recovery operations continue. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over the Lake Victoria Basin through at least April 29 and has warned of further flooding in poorly drained and low-lying areas. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the region throughout the rainy season through June.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
