KENYA, TANZANIA BRACES FOR CYCLONE HIDAYA AS HEAVY RAINS CAUSE DEADLY FLOODING

Fri 03 May 2024:

Following torrential downpour of rain and flooding that ravaged East Africa, killing close to 400 people and displacing tens of thousands more, Kenya and Tanzania have been bracing for a cyclone.

As per the most recent meteorological forecast, Cyclone Hidaya is gradually approaching Tanzania’s eastern coast and is predicted to make landfall later on Friday. Additionally, it is probably going to rain harder in neighboring Kenya, especially in Mombasa, a significant coastal city located just north of the cyclone’s eye.

According to the office of Kenyan President William Ruto, “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.

Kenya is facing significant losses as heavy rains, reaching up to 200 mm a day, continue to inundate the country, leading to widespread flooding that has killed at least 210 people and displaced tens of thousands more.

according to updated tolls from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on Friday. It said 125 people have been injured, 90 are missing, and 165,500 people are displaced.

The impact of the rains extends across various sectors, affecting everyone from small-scale traders to major businesses. The Kenyan capital of Nairobi has been particularly hard hit, with many once-thriving businesses now left in ruins due to flooding.

Ahead of the expected cyclone, Kenyan government also ordered mandatory evacuations for residents near 178 dams and water reservoirs in 33 counties, and the government warned citizens to remain on alert.

Tanaznia ravaged by flooding

In Tanzania, at least 155 people have been killed in flooding and landslides in recent days. With the arrival of Hidaya, there are more fears of weather disruption.

“The presence of Hidaya Cyclone … is expected to dominate and affect the weather patterns in the country including heavy rain and strong winds in some regions near Indian Ocean,” the Tanzania Red Cross Society said on the social media platform X.

The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy rains, strong winds, and large ocean waves along the country’s coastline in the coming three days, including the capital Nairobi.

The forecaster urged residents to be vigilant for flash floods and lightning strikes, adding that strong winds could “blow off roofs, uproot trees” and cause other damage.

Earlier this week, Kenya’s Ruto announced he was deploying his country’s military to evacuate everyone living in flood-prone areas.

Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, who is reporting from Kiambu County, said that residents in the area, which was also hit with heavy flooding, are asking “why the government has not done more” to prevent the disaster. He reported that one company, which was contracted to fix a bridge and flood-control infrastructure in the area, ran away with the money without finishing the project.

The tourism sector is also feeling the impact, with game parks, tourist camps and reserves being flooded. Masai Mara National Reserve, a popular destination for tourists, has been temporarily closed after the Talek River burst its banks on Wednesday.

The rains have also caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, schools and bridges, cutting off access to many areas.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22