Govt Issues Rainfall Alert In Kenyan Coastal Region After Cyclone Hidaya

The Office of the Government Spokesperson, led by Isaac Mwaura, has announced that heavy rainfall and strong winds will be expected at the Kenya Coastal strip a day after Tropical Cyclone Hidaya made landfall on the coast of Tanzania and wreaking havoc.

On Sunday, May 5, Mwaura revealed that the cyclone which was initially predicted to hit Kenya had weakened.

"The Tropical Cyclone Hidaya storm is over and forecasted to have weakened however, heavy rainfall is still expected offshore along the Coast region with strong winds and large waves already experienced in Kwale," Mwaura stated.

In a statement, Mwaura indicated that the heavy rainfall offshore would be expected along the Kenyan coast on Sunday, intensifying and propagating inland and along the coast from Monday, May 6, to Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Satellite view of Tropical Cyclone Hidaya in Tanzania. /THE CITIZEN

Furthermore, a fresh to strong breeze of between 8 and 26 knots is expected in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu, with small boats and crafts likely to be filled with water sprays and become unstable.

Small boats and crafts sailors are therefore advised not to venture into the deep sea in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.

On Saturday, the Kenya Meteorological Department indicated that despite the cyclone hitting the Tanzanian coast, its effects were felt in Kenya.

“Current observations indicate that Tropical Cyclone Hidaya has made landfall on the coast of Tanzania," Kenya Met warned, adding "However, there is another depression developing behind it, which the Department is monitoring closely.” 

According to the meteorological department, the strong winds would exceed 40 knots (20.6 m/s) and large waves surpass two meters.

In Tanzania, the cyclone which made landfall left a trail of destruction, with photos showing several houses destroyed by Cyclone Hidaya as coconut trees fell on houses as a result of the heavy rainfall and strong winds. Mafia Island was the worst hit by the cyclone.

The heavy rainfall characterised by strong winds saw ferry services between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam suspended for safety reasons.

The Tanzania Meteorological Department, however, announced Sunday morning that the Cyclone ended and the country is now safe from the threat

"The trend and patterns of weather systems indicate that in the past 6 hours, Tropical Cyclone "HIDAYA" has completely lost its strength following its landfall at Mafia Island earlier today," read the statement in part

"In addition, the remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the Tropical Cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of our country, particularly in Lindi, Mtwara, Morogoro, and neighbouring areas. Therefore, there is no further threat of Tropical Cyclone Hidaya in our country."

A house destroyed in Mafia Island as a result of Cyclone Hidaya on Saturday, May 4, 2024. /BBC