Floods
Kerio Valley Development Authority Managing Director Sammy Naporos has said Turkwel dam, with a water capacity of 1614 million cubic meters, would only spill over once it reaches a maximum level of 1150 meters above sea level.
Naporos reported that as of Saturday morning, the water level at the dam was recorded at 1135.65 meters above sea level, leaving a remaining 15 meters before reaching full capacity
He emphasized the need for caution, especially for residents living in lowland areas prone to flooding, as several rivers, including the Muruny, Weiwei, and Lomut, flow towards Lake Turkana, potentially causing flooding.
The Turkwel multipurpose dam, under the management of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), is known for its diverse functions such as hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, tourism, and fisheries. Constructed from 1986 to 1991, it stands as one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the nation. Caption By Anthony Melly.
“No one should cross or drive in swollen rivers, which might cause loss of life and property,” cautioned Naporos, underlining the importance of safety measures during such challenging times.
In response to the heightened risk posed by strong waves, Naporos suspended fishing activities in the 60-square-kilometer Turkwel Dam.
“The beach management unit should stop fishing in the evening due to strong winds, and if they fish during the daytime, they should wear life-saving jackets,” he advised.
The MD also urged residents living in high-risk areas to remain vigilant, especially with the Meteorological Department’s forecast of more heavy rains. He encouraged people to find shelter in safer locations to minimize the potential flooding risk due to the heavy rainfall
The MD who was accompanied by West Pokot subcounty Deputy Commissioner Wycliffe Munanda made the remarks when they inspected the water level of Turkwel Dam and assessed its structural stability amid heavy rains in the area.
The decision to inspect the dam’s water levels was prompted by extensive flooding in the country, which has resulted in significant destruction, prompting officials to enforce preventive actions.
An advisory issued by the KVDA managing the dam on Saturday regarding potential flooding was further explained, stating that the water levels at the dam remained low and the dam’s structural integrity was still sound.
DCC Munanda emphasized the importance of ceasing any additional fishing activities in the dam and highlighted that strict enforcement of the law would be carried out against individuals caught fishing during strong winds. Furthermore, he assured the presence of the police at the dam to guarantee the safety of residents and the effective implementation of evacuation protocols.
“While there are no dams in West Pokot County overflowing or at an alarming rate, some rivers are swollen, displacing a number of people,” he noted. Munanda emphasized the adoption of a multi-agency approach to raise awareness among residents residing in landslide and flood-prone areas, urging them to relocate to safer locations.
While he stated that the current situation does not allow the dams in the region to overflow, he however emphasized the significance for residents to exercise caution during the rainy season, advising people to relocate from hazardous areas.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Disaster Management in West Pokot, Mr. Martin Lotee reiterated the concerns raised by DCC Munanda regarding the devastating effects of landslides in certain areas of the county.
CECM Lotee emphasized the importance of vigilance for residents living in risky, landslide-prone locations like Sonday, Parua, and Muino Kopro.
The Turkwel multipurpose dam, under the management of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), is known for its diverse functions such as hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, tourism, and fisheries. Constructed from 1986 to 1991, it stands as one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the nation. Caption By Anthony Melly.
“As a county, we are also trying our best to help those affected. Some have been hospitalized, and in Kopro location, some livestock were killed by landslides, and human beings were injured,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate further risks.
Residents echoed concerns about the challenging conditions brought about by the heavy rains.
John Longiroi, a fisherman, conveyed the struggles experienced due to rough waves, explaining, “We were concerned because of the disasters happening in various areas of the country as a result of the continuous heavy rainfall.”
Mark Choge, a member of the community in Riting village, recognized the increasing water levels and observed that some people had chosen to relocate to more secure locations in fear of floods due to heavy rainfall witnessed in the region.