Government Announces End Of Cyclone Hidaya At Coastal Region, Says It Has Weakened

• Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki banned all beach activities starting May 4 because of Cyclone Hidaya
• But in the latest development, Kenya Metrological Department announced that the Tropical Cyclone Hidaya had lost strength
• Despite its weakening, more rainfall and strong winds are expected in the coastal region until Tuesday, May 7

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The Kenya Metrological Department has announced that the Tropical Cyclone Hidaya storm is over.

Will Cyclone Hidaya hit Kenya?

In a statement on Sunday, May 5, the weatherman said the storm, which was expected to hit most parts of the coastal region, had weakened.

"Following its landfall at Mafia Island, on Saturday, May 4, Tropical Cyclone Hidaya completely lost its strength. The remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the Southern region of Tanzania," the weatherman said.

Despite its weakening, more rainfall and strong winds are expected in the coastal region until Tuesday, May 7. As a result, residents have been asked to exercise caution.

"However, the coastal region is likely to experience rainfall offshore, which might propagate inland on Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by strong winds.

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

What are effects of Cyclone Hidaya in Tanzania?

The development comes after Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) announced the end of Tropical Cyclone Hidaya in their country.

The authority said the latest observation showed that the country was no longer experiencing the cyclone as its strength had reduced significantly.

"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," TMA said.

The cyclone left a trail of destruction in Tanzania with several houses in Mafia Island destroyed.

Why Kindiki banned beach activities at the coast

Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had issued new directives over Cyclone Hiyada, which was expected to hit the coastal region.

In a statement on Saturday, May 4, Kindiki said scientific tracking had shown that Cyclone Hidaya could hit the coastal region any time.

According to the Interior CS, the Cyclone could have generated massive precipitation with strong winds that could disrupt normal activities.

What you need to know about floods in Kenya

• The distressing video of Kitengela woman in her house after floods marooned the area on Wednesday, May 1, went viral on social media
• As Kenyans grapple with the adverse effects of floods, death by floods hit 179 as of Wednesday, May 1, according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura'
• In the quest to boost Kenya Red Cross in rescuing Kenyans affected by floods, President William Ruto ordered the Military to provide their humanitarian service.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.