Kibera among 5 estates ordered to evacuate as Nairobi Dam nears breaking point
Kibera among 5 estates ordered to evacuate as Nairobi Dam nears breaking point
The Water Resources Authority has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in six Nairobi estates near the Nairobi Dam and placed other estates downstream on high alert as heavy rains continue.
In a notice, the WRA ordered all residents living downstream of the dam to immediately evacuate to higher ground as the dam is on the verge of bursting.
According to the notice dated Friday, March 20, Nairobi Dam, located in the Kibera area along the Ngong River, approximately 5 kilometers southwest of the CBD, is at risk of breaking the embankments.
“Due to the ongoing heavy rains, residents living downstream of Naiobi dam are warned of imminent flood risk due to the rising water levels in the reservoir that threaten breaching of the dam embankment,” the internal letter signed by Noel Ndeti, Sub-county Co-ordinator, states.
As such, the government is asking residents of informal settlements in the Kibera area, Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang’ata, Nairobi West, and Madaraka to evacuate immediately to higher ground.
“Everyone living or operating downstream of the dam is cautioned to be vigilant and move to higher ground,” the notice said.
Other estates that are likely to be affected include Mukuru Slums (Kwa Njenga, Reuben, and Viwandani), South B, Pipeline, Embakasi, and Industrial Area.
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10 days ago, the government placed the residents on high alert for fresh flooding as water levels at the Nairobi Dam continued to rise quickly.
At the time, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that authorities are closely monitoring water levels at the dam and conducting technical assessments of the reservoir to determine the potential risks posed by rising water levels.
“The government is closely monitoring the rising water levels at Nairobi Dam and advises residents living downstream to remain alert. A technical assessment of the dam is currently underway,” Mwaura stated.
The Kenya Meteorological Department on Saturday, March 21, warned that moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms continue across the Nairobi metro area.
According to the weatherman, rain in the metropolis could hit above 20 mm in 24 hours. Under the forecast, heavier pockets of rain are predicted to hit Dagoretti, Kibra, parts of Embakasi, and Lang’ata, where the dam is located.
On Friday, the rains caused chaos in the city, with floods reported along Moi Avenue and Mombasa Road. No, deaths were reported.
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