Safety tips issued as rains wreck havoc

 

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has issued safety guidelines for flooding amid pounding rains in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

In a statement on X, the KRCS advised Kenyans to beware of flash floods and evacuate immediately to elevated areas if they sense impending danger.

The humanitarian organisation that has issued a toll-free number (1190) has further cautioned against walking and driving through flood waters as it can put someone at risk of being knocked down by moving waters.

The safety tips were shared just hours after heavy rains from Sunday night to Monday morning left parts of the city flooded including major roads connecting to the capital, Nairobi.

Parts of the Nairobi Expressway had flooded to knee-level as Kenyans shared videos online showing cars being redirected by the toll road officers.

It warns that just six inches of moving water can knock one down and just one foot of moving water is enough to sweep a vehicle away.

To test the depth of the flooded area, it is advisable to use a stick before trying to navigate the area.

It warns against having activities along streams and rivers during heavy rainfall. The organization advises Kenyans to switch off electricity from the main switch to avoid electrocution incidents in case a house is flooded.

The rains were also accompanied by isolated storms as trees were felled in parts of the city.

Data from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) shows that the rains will stretch to Wednesday as most parts of the country will experience heavy rains.

KMD says that light showers will be experienced in the morning hours and heavy showers with thunderstorms will be present in the afternoon.

By Asha Khamis