Kenya weatherman warns of food shortages

Food shortages are expected in most parts of the country due to poor rainfall during the long rains season, the Meteorological Department has said.

The forecast spells doom to people who are already experiencing famine especially in the arid and semi-arid areas.

The department on Tuesday identified Gusii and Kakamega counties as areas that will be affected by lightning while flash flooding is expected in Budalang’i and Kano areas.

According to Meteorological Department director Joseph Mukabana, isolated cases of landslides/mudslides are likely to occur in parts of Western and Rift Valley provinces.

“During the period, slippery roads and poor visibility during rainstorms may pose dangers to motorists and pedestrians especially in western and parts of central Kenya.

“At the same time, pilots flying light aircraft in western routes are advised to avoid deep cumulus clouds, especially in the afternoon.

“The clouds are usually associated with severe turbulence,” Dr Mukabana warned while releasing the March-May long rains season outlook in Nairobi.

Dr Mukabana warned of water-borne diseases in areas that will experience heavy rainfall.

He blamed the poor rains expected in most parts of the country to the cooling of temperatures in the Indian Ocean and a tropical cyclone in Malagasy which usually “sucks” air denying the country moisture.

The onset of the rains will be expected between the second and third week of March and end in either May or June in parts of the country.