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Tropical cyclone Hidaya weakens as it makes landfall in Tanzania

A satellite image of Cyclone Hidaya. (Photo: Google Earth)

By Lucy Mumbi | 05 May 2024

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority said the cyclone has dissipated after impacting the southern regions of Tanzania, posing no further threat to the nation.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) have announced an end to the Tropical Cyclone Hidaya saying it has weakened following its landfall at Mafia Island.

In a statement on Saturday night, the Authority said the cyclone has dissipated after impacting the southern regions of Tanzania, posing no further threat to the nation.

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"This information concludes a series of information on the late Tropical Cyclone "HIDAYA" that was issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) on the 1st of May 2024. The trend and patterns of weather systems indicate that in the past six hours, Tropical Cyclone "HIDAYA" has completely lost its strength following its landfall at Mafia Island earlier today," the Authority said.

It added that the remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the Tropical Cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of Tanzania.

This is particularly in Lindi, Mtwara, Morogoro and neighbouring areas.

"Therefore, there is no further threat of Tropical Cyclone "HIDAYA" in our country," the Authority said.

Rains to continue

However, periods of normal Masika rains are expected to continue in some areas, especially over the Lake Victoria basin, North-eastern highlands and Northern coast.

The public has been urged to continue making close follow-up, consider and effectively utilize forecast and early warning information from the Authority, as well as advice and guidance issued by the relevant authorities as appropriate.

Following the weakening of the Hidaya Cyclone, light to moderate rainfall of 5mm-20mm is expected across various parts of the country on Sunday.

The Kenya Meteorological Department said heavy to very heavy rainfall of 20mm to 50mm is likely to occur in some parts of Nairobi, Central, Southeastern, Rift Valley, and Coastal regions.

Residents living in certain areas in Mandera County have been urged to stay prepared and safe as the area will experience very heavy rainfall.

Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected offshore along the Kenyan coast from Sunday and will intensify and propagate inland and along the coast on Monday, May 6 to 7, 2024.

The department had noted that the effects of the cyclone were already being felt offshore, with strong winds exceeding 40 knots (20.6 m/s) and large waves surpassing two meters.

Residents, particularly in coastal regions and individuals involved in marine activities in the Indian Ocean, were encouraged to take maximum precautions.