Nyali Sub County Police Commander Daniel Masaba has banned beach activities in the coastal region after the cabinet on Thursday warned about a possible cyclone Hidaya storm in the region.
While speaking to the press on Friday, May 3, Masaba said that authorities had been deployed to work with beach management to ensure that nobody went out to the beach.
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Further, he indicated that members of the public will be free to go to the beaches after the cyclone passes over, adding that an announcement will be made then.
“The ocean is very polluted and the cyclones that have been announced are real. I have therefore issued an order that from this moment no one is allowed at the beach.
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“I have deployed security officers, and they will be manning the beaches in collaboration with beach management to ensure that nobody will be coming in. Until the cyclone passes over, no one will be going to the beach,” he said.
Also Read: Cyclone Hidaya: All You Need to Know About Storm Set to Hit Kenya
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When Cyclone Hidaya Will Hit Kenya
A recent update by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has noted that Cyclone Hidaya is currently at a severe level of warning and may make a landfall on Saturday, May 4.
Subsequently, it is expected to intensify to a peak in around 24 hours.
“The storm is currently at a severe level of warning, with maximum significant wave height reaching 7.9 meters (26 feet) and is forecast to make landfall tomorrow.
“It is predicted to intensify to a peak intensity of 165 km/h (90 knots) in around 24 hours as the environment remains conducive with high moisture content. Anticipated periods of heavy rain and strong winds in Mtwara, Lindi, and Pwani (including the Mafia Islands),” stated ICPAC.
Also Read: Cyclone Hidaya: Ruto, Samia Suluhu Issue Warning as Storm Nears Tanzania & Mombasa
What to do When the Cyclone Comes
The authority asked locals to stay ready and prepared by keeping alternative power sources ready.
Additionally, residents were directed to secure roof tiles and monitor local news for updates.
Earlier, the government issued an advisory to residents in the coastal region over the cyclone explaining that it is likely to cause heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds in the region.
President William Ruto while chairing the Cabinet meeting on May 2, said flooding is expected in low-lying areas as are landslides and mudslides.
“Crucially, the coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya, which will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean,” read part of the statement.
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