Residents living along the banks of the River Tana in Garissa County have been urged to move to safer areas following rising water levels that could trigger flooding in the coming days.
Daud Ahmed, the Garissa branch coordinator of the Kenya Red Cross Society, warned that communities in low-lying areas should take early precautions as the river continues to swell.
Ahmed said heavy rainfall in upstream regions, particularly around the Mount Kenya catchment area, is expected to increase the volume of water flowing downstream through the river, potentially affecting settlements in Garissa and neighbouring Tana River County.
He urged residents in vulnerable areas, including ADC, Bula Kamor, Bula Kunda, Bula Sheikh, Bula Iftin, Bulavumbi, Windsor and Ziwani to move to higher ground to avoid being trapped by floodwaters.
“We are asking communities living in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures and relocate to safer places to protect their lives and property,” Ahmed said.
He also advised farmers operating along the riverbanks to remove farm equipment, harvest produce, and relocate livestock to prevent losses if the floods intensify. Farm workers were similarly urged to vacate vulnerable farms to avoid being stranded.
According to the Water Resources Authority, water levels in the River Tana at Garissa have risen sharply in recent days. Measurements at the Garissa Bridge gauge station increased from 2.90 metres on March 7 to 3.60 metres on March 8 and 4.31 metres on March 9, surpassing the flood alarm threshold and indicating an elevated risk of flooding.
The authority’s chief executive, Mohamed M. Shurie, said several river basins across the country are experiencing rising water levels following days of intense rainfall.
He said many regions have recorded heavy downpours over the past five days, leading to increase in river levels across basins draining into Lake Victoria as well as the Rift Valley, Athi and Tana river systems.
Shurie warned that communities living near rivers and flood-prone areas should remain vigilant, identify safe evacuation routes and avoid crossing flooded rivers or streams, whether on foot or by vehicle.
He added that dam owners and operators have been directed to notify downstream communities of any planned or emergency water releases and ensure spillways remain clear to handle increased water volumes.
Kenya Red Cross says it is working with local authorities and disaster management teams to sensitise communities on flood preparedness.
Residents have been encouraged to report emergencies or seek assistance through the Red Cross toll-free number 1199 as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Areas across the Tana River have for many years been hit hard by floods caused by spillovers from dams flowing upstream in Kenya’s highlands.
These floods have had a profound impact on local communities, particularly in terms of food supply.
Many farms have been destroyed, and crops washed away, with long-term effects having the potential to cause food insecurity for the foreseeable future.