WARMA Issues Flood Warning as Seven Forks Dams near spillage

The Water Resources Authority (WARMA) has issued an advisory over potential flash floods in certain parts of the country owing to heavy rainfall expected to cause spillages in various dams.

In a statement to newsrooms, WARMA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Shrurie highlighted that the Seven-Forks hydro-electric dams comprising Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere are at risk of overflowing and spilling over into adjacent areas.

“ Most of the dams in the country are full hence posing a risk of flooding due spilling and potentially breaching. As at 29/04/2024, all the 7 forks dam hydro-electric dams comprising Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma were overflowing and spilling over into downstream areas,” said Shurie.

He added; “ The inflows to the dams from Mt Kenya and Aberdare have remained high. The situation is reflected in all the high risk dams in other basin areas of Lake Victoria, Rift valley, Athi and Ewaso Ngiro North.”

Shurie at the same time has urged dam owners to comply with the regulations as they conduct periodic inspections and ensure that spillways are properly maintained and free of any obstruction.

WARMA also raised an alarm over the state of rivers saying they are above flood alarm levels.

The Tana river system, Athi river system, Lake Victoria basin are experiencing high flows.

Urban areas with clogged or poor drainage and public or private water reservoirs across Kenya may also flood if the rains continue uninterrupted in the coming days.

While urging members of the public to exercise caution, Shurie revealed that the potential floods may require the issuance of evacuation orders in the aforesaid areas.