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Kwale residents urged to stay away from Indian Ocean amid Cyclone Hidaya alert

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani in her office on Friday. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | 03 May 2024

Precautionary measures include relocating residents from flood-prone areas along riverbanks to safer locations ahead of expected heavy rains.

Residents cautioned against marine activities as Cyclone Hidaya poses threats of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves along the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Hidaya is said to have developed over the South Indian Ocean, east of Tanzania and north-northeast of Comoros, on Wednesday.

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Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani advised fishermen and beachgoers to refrain from ocean activities until further notice from the Kenya Meteorological Department.

"Once the department determines that everything is okay, we will communicate to our people to carry on with their economic activities. But for now, let's stay safe at our homes," she said.

Governor Fatuma also asked residents living in areas prone to floods to move to safer areas in preparation for the heavy rains expected to pound the Coastal Region next week.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Interior ordered the evacuation of flood-prone coastal areas within 24 hours, emphasising the need to mitigate potential risks to lives and property.

Latest view of Tropical Cyclone #Hidaya via @eumetsat’s Meteosat-IODC satellite. pic.twitter.com/7dQQC6Dfi5
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) May 3, 2024

The six Coastal counties fall in the list of 33 other counties that are close to water bodies and where evacuation has been ordered.

The Met Department had announced that heavy rains are likely to be experienced in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River and Taita Taveta anytime from May.

Following the forecast, Kwale County is preparing temporary shelters for affected residents, prioritising safety amidst the cyclone threat.

Red alert zones identified in Lungalunga Sub-county, including Vanga, Majoreni, Jego, and Kiwegu.

"When it rains in Usambara areas in the neighbouring country of Tanzania, Umba River usually breaks its banks leading to floods across Lungalunga and therefore, we urge the residents of those areas to vacate immediately in case of floods," she said.

Residents are urged to seek refuge in designated shelters such as social halls, churches, and mosques to ensure safety and continuity of daily activities.

"In case of floods, kindly go to social halls built by the county and worshipping places like churches and mosques," she advised.