Branches of trees sway as a cyclone hits. | FILE/REUTERS

Met Dept: Cyclone Hidaya Weakens, but Kenyan Coast Still Faces Heavy Rain and Wind Threat

Despite Cyclone Hidaya weakening after hitting Mafia Island in Tanzania, the Kenyan Coast region still faces the potential of significant rainfall and strong winds.

The Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings for Monday and Tuesday, particularly for coastal counties like Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu.

Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu explained that while the cyclone’s rain clouds have dispersed over southern Tanzania, there remains a likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall along the coast, along with winds exceeding 40 knots and waves over 2 meters.

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Looking ahead, the forecast predicts intermittent moderate to heavy rainfall across various regions, including the Western, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern, and Nairobi. Conversely, parts of the North Eastern, North-western, and some areas of South Eastern Kenya are expected to remain dry, with occasional light to moderate rainfall.

Dr. Gikungu highlighted concerns about potential flooding in the Tana Delta due to ongoing rainfall and the overflow of dams in the Central region. Similar flooding risks are present in the Lake Victoria Basin due to backflow from the lake.

Residents, especially those in coastal regions and involved in marine activities, are advised to take precautions. The heavy rains have already taken a toll, with the death toll in Kenya reaching 228 and significant displacement of people. The situation is dire across East Africa, with neighboring Tanzania also affected, along with Burundi, Rwanda, and Somalia.

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