The government has issued an urgent voluntary evacuation advisory for residents in the Lower Tana River Basin due to the imminent threat of flooding from rising dam levels and continued heavy rains.
Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo urged residents in Garissa, Hola, Garsen, and other downstream areas of the Seven Forks hydropower cascade to move to higher ground immediately, as Kiambere Dam has surpassed its safe capacity.
Omollo warned that flooding is “real and imminent”, citing heavy inflows from the Mt. Kenya and Aberdare catchments. In response, the government has activated an emergency response protocol, involving KenGen, local officials, and the National Disaster Operations Centre.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall from May 16 to 20, which may worsen the situation. Meanwhile, controlled water spillages from upstream dams like Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, and Kindaruma are being conducted to protect dam structures.
Preparations are underway for mass displacement, with schools, churches, and government buildings designated as shelters. The Kenya Red Cross, public health teams, and the Kenya Coast Guard have been deployed to support evacuation and relief.
Omollo emphasized the urgency:
“Safety is paramount. We urge everyone in flood-prone areas to act now and work with emergency responders to prevent loss of life.”
