The government has issued an advisory to residents in the coastal region over a possible Cyclone Hidaya that is likely to cause heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds in the region.
A May 2, 2024, statement by Statehouse following a Cabinet meeting, notes that the cyclone could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean.
“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,” reads part of the statement.
President William Ruto while chairing the Cabinet meeting on May 2 said flooding is expected in low-lying areas as are landslides and mudslides.
“The adverse effects of weather conditions on schools have led to the destruction of infrastructures, including classrooms, dormitories, halls, toilets, latrines fences and perimeter walls,” the statement reads further.
According to Interior Ministry, as of May 2, the ongoing floods have claimed lives of 188 individuals while 125 people have been reported injured.
Cyclone Hidaya in Kenya and Tanzania
Similarly, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) in a statement on May 2 announced the presence of cyclone Hidaya following a report by the department regarding the presence of a minor air depression in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Mtwara.
The weatherman said minor air depression has continued to intensify and has developed into cyclone Hidaya exhibiting moderate strength and positioned approximately 506 kilometers east of the Mtwara coastline.
“The trend of weather systems at the Indian Ocean indicates a high likelihood of the cyclone “HIDAYA” approaching very close to the Tanzanian coast starting from tonight, May 2, 2024, and persisting until May 6, 2024,” Tanzania Met said in a statement.
However, the department said the cyclone will cause heavy rains accompanied with thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected to weaken after May 6, 2024.
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“The presence of the tropical cyclone “Hidaya” near our country’s coast is expected to dominate and affect our weather systems, including causing periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds,” the weather further stated.
Areas largely affected include the regions of Mtwara, Lindi, Pwani (including the Mafia Islands), Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Morogoro, the islands of Unguja and Pemba, and neighboring areas.
For the southern coastal areas (Lindi and Mtwara) heavy rains and gusty winds will be witnessed on May 3 before spreading to other coastal regions towards May 4 to May 6, 2024.
Tanzania Met Issues Advisory to Residents
Residents in the mentioned areas and all those involved in various maritime activities in the ocean were advised to take precautionary measures.
Also Read: EPRA Orders Closure of Petrol Stations in Select Areas as Heavy Rains Persist
The department also urged them to continue monitoring updates from the Tanzania Meteorological department and seek advice from relevant authorities to mitigate potential risks and impacts associated with the cyclone’s approach.
The authority said it will continue to monitor the progress of Cyclone Hidaya and its effects on weather systems in the country noting that it will continue to provide updates as necessary.
Over 150 people have been killed in the severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Tanzania.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the El Nino climate pattern has worsened the ongoing rainy season, causing flooding which has destroyed roads, bridges and railways.
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