Various dams have exceeded their limits and started spilling over due to the heavy downpour experienced across the country. This has been caused by the adverse El-Nino Effects In Kenya.
According to Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), the Karemene II Dam in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, has started overflowing. This is the latest case of dam overflow that has been recorded in Kenya.
The Athi Water Works however noted that the dam is designed in a protective way that the spillage won’t affect families that live downstream. Thus guaranteeing their safety amid the overflow.
“The spillway design has flood control, and drainage works provide safety to downstream areas against failure by overtopping during the El Nino rains.”
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This comes days after the Energy Minister Davis Chirchir cautioned residents residing downstream of: Kamburu, Kiambere and Masinga dams to remain vigilant. The minister said that the dam are almost to full to capacity and can overflow at any time.
The heavy downpour has also led to most roads to be washed away downstream thus being impassable. The latest such case reported being Mbogolo Bridge situated on the Mtwapa – Kilifi Road, thereby disrupting traffic flow to and from Mombasa.
Other areas that have been affected include the North Eastern region that has made it impossifor relief food and humanitarian aid to access the region. This has led to the use of helicopters which isn’t enough.
Speaking at State House on Saturday when he chaired disaster response emergency meeting, President William Ruto has allocatined Ksh. 2.4 Billion meant for relief food across the country.
“Adequate resources will be required and that is why this team is working on numbers so that we can mobilise the resources necessary. This is to make sure that we attend to the roads that have been washed away, provide alternative roads, pathways to different parts of the country.” said the President about the El-Nino effects in Kenya.