Flood-stricken Kenya and Tanzania are bracing for further stormy weather, this time on the Indian Ocean coastline, with a tropical cyclone expected to make landfall just south of Tanzania’s main port of Dar es Salaam on Saturday afternoon.

According to meteorological tracking data from Zoom Earth, by 17h30 on Friday tropical cyclone Hidaya had moved to within 150km of the Tanzanian coast. Forecasts predict that by the early hours of Saturday morning, the cyclone will have reduced in intensity to a severe tropical storm (with wind gusts of up to 130km/h) over the popular tourist destination of Mafia Island, before striking the coast of mainland Tanzania by Saturday afternoon.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) cautioned in a statement on Thursday that Hidaya would cause heavy rain and strong winds in Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Lindi, Tanga and Morogoro, along with the islands of Zanzibar, Unguja and Pemba. 

“Citizens in remote areas and all those involved in various activities at sea are advised to take great care and also continue to monitor and consider forecast and warning information from TMA.”

Both Tanzania and Kenya have been impacted by severe flooding – precipitated by El Niño weather patterns – that has claimed more than 350 lives and led to the evacuation of tourists from the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya’s southwest.

On Wednesday, May 2, Kenyan President William Ruto chaired a second cabinet ministers’ meeting within a week to deliberate on extra measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding and landslides since the start of the region’s long rainy season.

“Noting that flooding, mudslides, landslides and other extreme weather conditions are a result of climate change, cabinet resolved that the government, from now on, will rally the country in implementing measures, programmes and policies that will mitigate the effects of climate change,” cabinet said in a statement.

“Crucially, the coastal region is likely to experience cyclone Hidaya, which will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean,” the statement warned.

Earlier this week, both the US and UK issued travel advisories cautioning nationals of a continued risk of localised flooding in Kenya, including in tourist hotspots such as the Maasai Mara and Great Rift Valley.   

The US advisory made the following recommendations to nationals:

• If you are travelling within Kenya, check with your tour company and accommodation location to ensure that it is safe to travel.
• Avoid driving during heavy downpours or through standing water on the road.  Do not attempt to cross bridges covered in water. Flood waters can sweep vehicles off a road or bridge without warning.
• Exercise caution as downed power lines, mudslides, and fallen trees may occur during heavy rain events.
• If a road has flooded or is full of debris, use an alternate route or return to a safe area.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Notify friends and family of your safety.
• Be prepared to shelter in place if conditions in your area worsen.