Kenya Met's Update On Cyclone Ialy As Kenyans Told To Brace For 3 Months' Rainfall
According to the weatherman, the cyclone's wind speeds had reduced as it moved up northeast of the Indian Ocean parallel to the Somali coastline.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced that Cyclone Ialy, which impacted the Indian Ocean, is no more.
In an update issued on Wednesday, May 22, it was revealed that the cyclone had dissipated in the afternoon hours, though it would still result in rains and storms in the coastal cities.
According to the weatherman, the cyclone's wind speeds had reduced as it moved up northeast of the Indian Ocean parallel to the Somali coastline.
"As of May 22 at 3:16 p.m. EAT, IALY has dissipated, with the system filling up during the day. It will be remembered as the most northerly Tropical Cyclone, reaching 4.7°S.
Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gakungu addressing the press. /STANDARD DIGITAL
"At its last observation, IALY had maximum winds of 55 km/h (averaged over 10 minutes) and maximum gusts of 75 km/h, with an estimated pressure at the centre of 1002 hPa (hectoPascals). The storm's position was at 2.9° South / 42.7° East, moving NORTHEAST at 6 km/h," Kenya Met stated.
Earlier, the Meteorological Department advised Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale residents to prepare for the weather conditions which were likely to be experienced later in the day.
"Ialy has weakened to a moderate tropical storm but remains significant due to its intensity near the equator. The centre of Ialy is expected to stay over 150km from the East African coasts.
"Moderate rain, stormy conditions, and strong winds are anticipated along the western periphery of the system, impacting the coastal areas of Kenya, and neighbouring countries," read the advisory in part.
Kenya Met also maintained its advisory against the use of small boats in the ocean owing to the expected wind and waves projected to be higher than three metres.
The impact of the cyclone was felt on the Kenyan coast on Tuesday after roofs were blown off and some buildings destroyed, owing to the strong winds witnessed in the coastal counties.
Police in Kilifi confirmed the death of a four-year-old schoolgirl after strong winds tore off the roof of an ECDE classroom, while a godown worker died after a wall collapsed. The strong winds also blew off the godown wall of Salima Gasses Kenya Limited, where gas cylinders were stored.
Two employees were injured by falling stones and one died while receiving treatment at Rabai Sub-county Hospital in Kilifi County. The other worker was later transferred to Mombasa Hospital for further treatment.
Meanwhile, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has announced that Kenya, along with other countries in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA), is likely to experience above-normal rainfall and higher-than-usual temperatures from June to September 2024.
ICPAC in a statement indicated an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall in most parts of the GHA. This includes Djibouti, Eritrea, central and northern Ethiopia, western and coastal Kenya, much of Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan.
