Kenya Prepares as Cyclone Hidaya Approaches East Coast

Nairobi, May 4, 2024 – The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a stark warning today as Cyclone Hidaya, a powerful tropical storm, made landfall on the Tanzanian coast, signaling potentially devastating effects for neighboring Kenya.

In a mid-morning advisory, the weather department confirmed the arrival of Cyclone Hidaya on the Tanzanian coastline, cautioning that despite its location, the cyclone’s impact was already being felt in Kenya. “Current observations indicate that Tropical Cyclone Hidaya has made landfall on the coast of Tanzania,” the Kenya Met cautioned.

Adding to the concern, the department highlighted the development of a depression trailing behind the cyclone’s strong winds, a situation it closely monitored. “However, there is another depression developing behind it, which the Department is monitoring closely,” the advisory stated.

With wind speeds expected to exceed 40 knots (20.6 m/s) and waves reaching heights of over two meters, coastal communities in Kenya, particularly in Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu counties, were warned to brace for heavy rainfall starting Sunday, May 5. The meteorological department forecasted an intensification of rains through Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7.

Reports from Tanzania painted a grim picture, indicating widespread effects of the cyclone, notably leading to a major blackout across much of the country as announced by the Tanzanian Ministry of Energy.

As the cyclone progressed towards Kenya, its potential impact escalated, prompting government officials to issue warnings and directives. President William Ruto, after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, May 2, was among the first to announce Cyclone Hidaya’s impending arrival in Kenya.

Communities along the Kenyan coast were advised to take precautionary measures, with fishermen urged to suspend fishing activities until the threat subsides.

With Cyclone Hidaya unleashing its force on neighboring Tanzania and advancing towards Kenya, authorities and residents brace for what could be a significant natural disaster, heightening concerns for coastal regions already vulnerable to such weather events.