The Kenya Red Cross has warned about the rising water levels in the Tana River that could result in flooding.
The Red Cross warned in a post on Wednesday, November 8, that the counties of Garissa, Tana River, and Kilifi face an urgent risk of flooding from the river, posing a severe threat to the lives and livelihoods of the local population.
In response, the Red Cross said it has activated early warning communication systems to safeguard the safety of Tana River villages.
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The authority reported that a consultation meeting on El Nino readiness was underway, conducted by PS Mary Muthoni of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards.
Most parts of the country are currently experiencing severe rains. The Kenya Meteorological Department said on Monday, November 6, that increasing water levels have already affected 15,264 households.
In addition, flash floods have destroyed around 241 acres of crops. In the North Eastern area (Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera), 26,011 families have been affected by floods, with 13,473 people relocated.
The current El Nino, which developed swiftly throughout July and August of this year, is expected to peak between now and January, according to the World Meteorological Organisation.
"There is a 90-percent likelihood it will persist throughout the upcoming northern hemisphere winter/southern hemisphere summer," it said in its latest update, adding that it was expected to last until at least April.
