Cyclone Hidaya Threatens Kenya and Tanzania with Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Cyclone Hidaya is expected to bringheavyrainfall, strong winds, and flooding to the coastal regions of Kenya and Tanzania in the coming days. The Kenyan government issued a warning on May 2, 2024, urging residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions since the storm approaches.

Why this matters: The devastating impact of Cyclone Hidaya highlights the urgent need for governments to prioritize disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations. The devastating impact of Cyclone Hidaya highlights the urgent need for governments to prioritize disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations. As extreme weather events intensify as a result of climate change, the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic, resulting in loss of lives, livelihoods, and economic stability.

According to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), Cyclone Hidaya is a moderate tropical cyclone with sustained winds, currently located 506 kilometers east of the Mtwara coast. The cyclone is expected to approach the coast of Tanzania on May 2 and persist until May 6, 2024, before weakening.

The TMA stated, "The presence of 'Hidaya' near our country's coast is expected to dominate and affect the weather systems of the country, including causing periods of heavy rain and strong winds in some regions..." The regions likely to be affected include Mtwara, Lindi, Pwani, Dar es Salaam, Unguja, Pemba, Tanga, Morogoro, and Ugunja.

In Kenya, the capital city Nairobi is among the areas expected to suffer heavy rains over the next two days, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department. The floods have already claimed 188 lives in Kenya since March, displaced 165,000 people, and left 90 reported missing, as per the interior ministry.

The floods have also severely impacted Tanzania and Burundi. In Tanzania, at least 155 people have been killed in flooding and landslides, while in Burundi, the floods have claimed at least 29 lives, injured 175 people, and displaced tens of thousands since September last year, according to the United Nations.

Kenya's tourism sector has also been affected by the extreme weather conditions. Around 100 tourists were marooned in the Maasai Mara wildlife reserve after a river overflowed, flooding lodges and safari camps. Stephen Nakola, Narok West sub-county administrator, expressed his concerns, saying, "Accessing the Mara is now a nightmare, and the people stuck there are really worried; they don't have an exit route." He added, "I am worried that the situation could get worse because the rains are still on."

The Kenyan government has deployed the military to evacuate people living in flood-prone areas, with a warning to vacate the area within 24 hours or face mandatory evacuation. Storm Human Rights Watch emphasized the government's responsibility, stating, "Kenya's government has a human rights obligation to prevent foreseeable harm from climate change and extreme weather events and to protect people when a disaster strikes."

As Cyclone Hidaya approaches, residents in the affected coastal regions of Kenya and Tanzania are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and follow the instructions provided by local authorities. The governments of both countries are working to mitigate the impact of the cyclone and provide assistance to those affected by the floods.

The devastating impact of Cyclone Hidaya serves as a vivid illustration of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events resulting from climate change. The international community faces this global challenge, it is essential for governments to prioritize disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and climate change adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations and minimize the loss of lives and livelihoods.

Key Takeaways

• Cyclone Hidaya to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding to Kenya and Tanzania.
• Kenya and Tanzania issue warnings, urging residents to take precautions.
• Floods have already claimed 188 lives in Kenya, 155 in Tanzania, and 29 in Burundi.
• Extreme weather events intensify due to climate change, highlighting need for disaster preparedness.
• Governments must prioritize climate change adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations.