Tropical Storm Hidaya is done, and there will be a lot of rain

Kenya has heightened its vigilance as Cyclone Hidaya threatens to impact the Tanzanian coast and potentially affect the Kenyan coastline.

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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki implemented a ban on fishing, swimming, beach activities, and non-essential transport in the coastal region on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in anticipation of the cyclone’s potential effects, such as strong winds and waves.

However, by midnight on the same day, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) provided an update, indicating that Cyclone Hidaya had weakened significantly over Mafia Island.

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Meteorological Department Reports Continued Rainfall & Flooding

According to the TMA, the cyclone had lost its strength after making landfall on Mafia Island, with the remnants of associated clouds dissipating over various southern regions of Tanzania. Consequently, the TMA declared no further threat from Cyclone Hidaya within the country and predicted continued normal rainfall in some areas.

In Kenya, 37 counties, including those along the coast such as Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu, were expected to experience moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms on May 5, 2024, as a result of the cyclone’s aftermath.

The Kenyan Ministry of Interior and National Administration emphasized that while Cyclone Hidaya had weakened, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves were still anticipated along the coast, with reports of such conditions already observed in Kwale.

Preceding the cyclone warnings, the Kenyan government had taken preemptive measures, including assessing dams in the Coast region and issuing evacuation notices to residents near high-risk dams and water reservoirs. Additionally, the Kenya Coast Guard had been deployed to territorial and inland waters, particularly in Kilifi, Kisumu, Tana River, Garissa, and Nairobi counties.

The government also enforced a ban on beach, swimming, and fishing activities, as well as non-essential transport along the coast from May 4 to 6. This decision aimed to address water currents, stagnation, and flooding along coastal and border roads, which had led to partial inundation and damage to key road infrastructure, impeding travel and transportation.