No More Fear of Rain as Improved Water Storage Stopped Floods in Kenya

In Kenya, along the Tana River, the improvement of water storage capacity in upstream areas had an unexpected bonus: less flooding and landslides travelling downstream.

Multiple factors including the construction of new water dams and the push for locals to capture and store water resulted in cutting flood risks and less destruction. 325 rooftop water harvesting systems at schools and farms were added in recent years.

“Most of my fears have now been eroded and every time we experience heavy downpours I get to relax,” says Fredrick Wamae, a local resident.

In addition, springs that once used to dry up during the dry season are now lasting all year round thanks to water being contained upstream in these various added storages.

2019 saw less flooding than any previous heavy rain years in the Tana River areas.