Residents near water reservoirs ordered to vacate
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| May 03, 2024
An Aerial view of the area swept away by raging waters of Kijabe Dam at Maai Mahiu in Nakuru county on April 29, 2024.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
Residents living near 178 high-risk dams and water reservoirs have been ordered to vacate within 24 hours.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior says the directive is to curb massive destruction in the event the dams overflow.
"All persons residing within the 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country have been ordered to vacate immediately," read the statement.
"A 24-hour evacuation notice effective May 2, 2024, was also issued to settlements in 33 Counties that are within 178 high-risk dams and water reservoirs. This follows a nationwide assessment of all dams in the country that identified 192 dams as high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (5), and Nyanza (4)."
READ MORE
Bitcoin hits record above Sh14m awaiting Trump second stint at the White House
State rekindles search for oil and gas after Tullow Oil setback
Kenya, China eye strong ties with focus on SGR extension
How AI-driven innovation is transforming lives in Western
China and Kenya China pledge to deepen cultural exchanges, strengthen ties
New KRA boss Muriithi wants outdated annual Finance Bill scrapped
KTDA focuses on tea quality as weekly auction generates Sh1.6 billion
Directline insurance moves to repair image amid shareholder wrangles
Kenya-UAE deal could be a catalyst for job creation and an economic booster
Survey reveals housing project has missed the mark, is doomed to fail
According to the Ministry, flooding is expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas, and urban areas while landslides and mudslides may occur in areas with steep slopes, escarpments, and ravines.
In its preparedness, the Ministry says 115 camps have been set up to shelter persons affected by the floods across the country.
"Following heavy rains that continue to pour across many parts of the country, a total of 115 camps have been set up across 19 counties hosting a total of 27,586 people," read the statement.