- Gikungu said those living within flood plains should remain alert as flood waters may appear even in the absence of rain.
- "Visibility is likely to be reduced during heavy rainfall events. Road users, aviators and boat operators are advised to exercise caution," Gikungu said.
Image: FILE
Several parts of the country will continue to receive heavy rainfall this week, the weatherman has warned.
This is contained in the latest forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department covering the period from April 30 to May 6.
The weatherman has further warned that some parts of the country might experience mudslides.
During the forecast period, high average daytime (maximum) temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius will be experienced in most parts of the Coast, North-eastern and North-western Kenya.
"Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage," the weatherman has warned.
"Landslides may occur on steep slopes where soils become saturated."
According to the forecast, heavy rainfall is expected in some parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, North-western and North-eastern Kenya.
They include Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia,Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Wajir, Garissa, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Narok, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia and Uasin-Gishu.
The Coastal counties of Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale are predicted to have sunny intervals during the day and partly cloudy nights.
The Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu has cautioned the public to avoid driving through or wading in fast-moving water.
Gikungu said those living within flood plains should remain alert as flood waters may appear even in the absence of rain.
"Visibility is likely to be reduced during heavy rainfall events. Road users, aviators and boat operators are advised to exercise caution," Gikungu said.
He further warned that the expected heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning.
"The public is advised to avoid sheltering under trees and metallic structures to minimise exposure to lightning strikes," he said.
The Met Department has also advised the public to be cautious since the forecasted strong winds may damage roofs, trees and billboards.
According to the forecast, large waves and strong winds may affect marine activities.
This comes even as the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday announced that the total number of Kenyans killed by floods currently stands at 169.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said it had recorded an additional 66 deaths, bringing the total to 169.
"The mudslide in Mai Mahiu claimed 46 lives; Garissa reported 4 lives lost while Sindo, Homa Bay, reported another 4 fatalities," the ministry said.
The government said another 102 individuals have sustained injuries across the affected regions.
The ministry said the number of Kenyans affected by the floods stands at approximately 190,942.