Cyclone Hidaya Threatens Tanzania with Devastating Floods

Cyclone Hidaya, the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded near the Tanzanian coast, is expected to make landfall in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, bringing 100-200+ mm of rain and strong winds that threaten to unleash widespread flash flooding and landslides across the region. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a dire warning to residents in coastal areas to brace for the cyclone's devastating impact.

Why this matters: The impending disaster has far-reaching consequences for the region's infrastructure, economy, and human life, with the potential to exacerbate the already dire situation caused by previous flooding. The cyclone's impact will likely be felt beyond Tanzania's borders, affecting regional trade and stability.

As of Friday morning, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center placed the center of Hidaya about 210 miles east-southeast of Dar es Salaam, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 mph - the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane. Forecast models indicate the cyclone will weaken into a severe tropical storm before making landfall Saturday evening. The TMA has cautioned that winds could gust up to 60 kph (37 mph) with waves over 2 meters (6.5 feet) battering coastal regions including Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Mtwara, Pwani, Tanga, and island areas.

Hidaya's arrival comes as Tanzania and neighboring Kenya are still reeling from the deadliest weather disaster of 2024. Since March, relentless heavy rains and catastrophic flooding have claimed at least 155 lives in Tanzania and 181 in Kenya, with over 165,000 people displaced. Thecyclone's torrential rainsare expected to exacerbate the already dire situation, with meteorologists painting a grim picture of the impending deluge.

Kenyan President William Ruto gravely noted,"Sadly, we have not seen the last of this perilous period, as the situation is expected to escalate. Meteorological reports paint a dire picture. "In an unprecedented move, the Kenyan government has ordered mandatory evacuations for residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs that are either full or nearly full.

While tropical cyclonesare rare near Tanzania due to its proximity to the equator, Hidaya has a legitimate chance of becoming the country's strongest tropical cyclone landfall in modern records. The NOAA Historical Hurricanes Tracks website shows that close to a dozen named storms have been recorded within a 235-mile radius of Dar es Salaam, but none had top sustained winds above minimal tropical storm strength of 40 mph.

As Cyclone Hidaya barrels towards Tanzania's coast, residents are bracing for the worst. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger severe flooding in low-lying areas and easily overwhelm drainage systems. Localized evacuations may be necessary due to life-threatening flash floods and devastating landslides. The inclement weather is likely to cause significant business, transport, and utility disruptions, with some roads and bridges potentially becoming impassable. Authorities are urging peopleto heed all evacuation orders, exercise extreme caution in coastal areas and near waterways, and stockpile essential supplies.

Key Takeaways

• Cyclone Hidaya to make landfall in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Saturday.
• 100-200+ mm of rain and strong winds expected, threatening flash flooding and landslides.
• Tanzания and Kenya still reeling from previous flooding, with 155+ lives lost and 165,000 displaced.
• Hidaya may become Tanzania's strongest tropical cyclone landfall in modern records.
• Residents urged to evacuate, exercise caution, and stockpile supplies due to life-threatening weather.