Ndakaini dam on the brink of spilling over as heavy rains hit central region

Kiambu,

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

KNA by KNA team

The on-going heavy rains are expected to continue over most of Kiambu County in the coming days according to the meteorological Department as reports indicate that the 70 million cubic meters Ndakaini is already at 98 per cent full capacity and may spill over soon.

Director of Meteorological department in Kiambu, Magdalene Gateri told KNA that the Weekly forecast valid from Tuesday November 7 to13, 2023 will see areas of Gatundu North/South and most parts of Ruiru, Juja, Thika, Kabete Limuru East receive rainfall from 100mm to more than 120mm cumulatively the whole week.              

“Githunguri, Kiambaa, Kiambu are expected to receive rainfall of about 70mm to 120mm cumulatively the whole week. Limuru West and Central expected to receive rainfall from 50mm to 100mm cumulatively for the whole week and Kikuyu and Lari Sub Counties are expected to receive rainfall from 50mm to 120mm cumulatively whole week.

Gateri however noted that the rainfall is expected to reduce in intensity and amount over several areas as from Thursday.

“Farmers are now being advised to continue with their farm activities while rain water harvesting should be enhanced,” she said.

The Director advised residents to also take maximum precautions during the rains and also avoid over speeding due to poor visibility and due to slippery roads during rains. 

Kiambu CEC Environment and Water, David Kuria said the county is starting to experience some flooding and challenges associated with heavy rains.

“Heavy rains are being experienced in most parts of the county. Residents are being advised to take precautionary measure.

The CEC has for the last few months been spearheading the clearing of drainage systems and unclogging blocked drainage systems.

Nationally, the weatherman giving the forecast said that Kiambu, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka counties will receive morning rains, and afternoon and evening showers expected over several places in the month of November.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the ongoing rains will come with a trail of destruction, such as lightning strikes in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile Murang’a residents have been cautioned of possible landslides and floods as heavy downpour continues to be experienced in many parts of the county.      

The county director of meteorological services Stanley Kinyua has said already some areas especially from upper zones of the county have started to experience mild mudslides.

He noted some parts are currently receiving more than 30 millimeters of rain on a daily basis saying steep terrains are likely to be hit by landslides.

He continued “on Tuesday night, Ndakaini recorded 68 millimeters of rain while Kangema recorded more than 30 millimeters. The rains continued till morning hours of Wednesday.”

The director further said Ndakaini dam located in Gatanga Sub County is at 98 percent full saying within a few days the reservoir is expected to spillover.

“People living downstream of Thika river, areas like Ithanga, Kakuzi, Ngelelyia among others should be cautious of possible floods. Spillover of Ndakaini dam which is at the upper part of Gatanga Sub County will cause floods at lower parts of Murang’a stretching to some areas in the neighbouring Machakos County,” he added.

Courtesy; KNA