Red Cross Issues Warning Of Floods Over Heavy Rainfall
Red Cross revealed that poor drainage areas would likely lead to flooding as a result of the ongoing rainy season.
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The Kenya Red Cross has warned Kenyans against expected heavy rainfall likely leading to floods over several parts of the country.
In a personalised message alert that was shared via mobile phones, Red Cross revealed that poor drainage areas would likely lead to flooding as a result of the ongoing rainy season.
In addition, motorists were advised to drive carefully and avoid using bridges, as pedestrians were warned against walking in moving water.
Both scenarios have the potential of cars and pedestrians being swept away by rushing water and have devastating consequences, including road accidents with the risk of fatalities.
"Expected Heavy Rains may cause floods in poor drainage areas. Avoid driving over bridges/walking in moving water. Call Red Cross 1199 for inquiries," read out the alert.
Those walking to or from home were also told to take note of dangerous objects and portholes contained in the waters capable of hurting them.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) on Tuesday, April 4 warned Kenyan motorists using the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway among other major highways on slippery roads and poor visibility caused by the heavy rainfall witnessed across the country.
"Slippery roads and poor visibility during rainstorms may also pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians, especially along the Kikuyu-Kinungi stretch on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.
"The public should, therefore, take utmost care during the rainy period to minimize accidents that could result from such weather conditions. Measures such as improving road signage and traffic management, as well as encouraging motorists to use headlights during low visibility, should be implemented to enhance safety on the roads," KMD stated in part.
Many people lose their lives every year to accidents on Kenyan roads due to various factors including careless driving, drunk driving, and overspeeding, among others.
Just like driving at night, the risk of accidents increases also when it rains. This is because rain reduces visibility on the road and makes road surfaces more slippery, making driving difficult.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday, March 24 moved to address the design flaws along Mombasa Road and other highways in Nairobi following complaints by pedestrians, motorists and other stakeholders amidst the long rain season.
Murkomen had listed Mombasa Road, specifically Bunyala Road roundabout, Nyayo Stadium roundabout, Capital Centre and Imara Daima road section outside Imara Mall as roads affected by percolation challenges triggered by the long rains.
"I have, in this regard, instructed road agencies under the Ministry to resolve the flooding challenges so as to ensure the safety of motorists and smooth flow of traffic. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), for instance, is under strict instructions to undertake immediate drainage procedures along Mombasa Road and other affected areas," stated Murkomen in part.
The CS added that his Ministry enlisted the services of contractors to begin repair works along Mombasa Road which was badly damaged when the Nairobi Expressway was being constructed.
"The work is expected to be completed in one and a half years. In the meantime, even as we complete the contractual protocols with the incoming contractors, KENHA has put in place measures to unclog the drainage systems thereof," he added.
Murkomen however cautioned motorists to exercise caution when approaching flooding zones to avoid injuries and accidents associated with flash flooding even as the challenges were being addressed.
