Amidst the impending threat of Cyclone Hidaya, Kenya and Tanzania are facing a grave crisis as they brace for the severe weather impacts. These impacts come on the heels of already destructive torrential rains that have ravaged East Africa, resulting in the tragic loss of over 350 lives and displacing thousands from their homes.
In Kenya, the relentless flooding since March has claimed 188 lives and displaced 165,000 people, with 90 still unaccounted for. The interior ministry has issued stern warnings urging citizens to remain vigilant. Tanzania has also been grappling with severe conditions, with floods and landslides taking the lives of at least 155 individuals. The Tanzania Red Cross Society shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, their concerns that Cyclone Hidaya is likely to exacerbate conditions with heavy rainfall and strong winds in coastal areas.
In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, the Meteorological Department anticipates intense rainfall over the next few days, cautioning residents about strong winds and significant ocean swells along the coastline. They have also warned of potential flash floods and lightning strikes. President Ruto has swiftly mobilized the Kenyan military to assist in evacuating residents from high-risk flood areas.
The tourism industry, a crucial pillar of Kenya’s economy, has suffered heavily, with approximately 100 tourists stranded in the Maasai Mara game reserve. While rescuers have managed to evacuate most, access to the area remains hindered, severely impacting local employment. A tragic incident near Mai Mahiu witnessed the collapse of a dam, claiming dozens of lives, and search operations continue for the missing.
Internationally, the US and Britain have issued travel advisories for Kenya due to the extreme weather conditions. Global leaders, including His Holiness Pope Francis and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have extended their condolences and offered support in response to the unfolding disaster. These extreme weather events have been amplified by the El Niño phenomenon, which triggers significant shifts in global weather patterns, leading to increased rainfall in certain regions and drought in others.
