Tanzania says tropical Cyclone Hidaya weakens after making landfall

Tanzania announced on Sunday that Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, which made landfall on Saturday, has substantially weakened and is no longer posing a threat to the country.

The cyclone, which had sparked concerns as it advanced towards Tanzania and neighboring Kenya, arrived with heavy rains and strong winds, compounding the challenges faced by both nations already grappling with extensive flooding and rainfall-related disasters that have claimed over 400 lives in East Africa in recent weeks.

According to a statement released early Sunday by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, Cyclone Hidaya “has completely lost its strength” after hitting Mafia Island in the Indian Ocean on Saturday. The authority further assured the public, stating, “Therefore, there is no further threat of Tropical Cyclone ‘Hidaya’ in our country.”

Precautionary measures were taken across Tanzania in anticipation of the cyclone, with beaches along the Indian Ocean coast deserted, shops shuttered, and marine transport services suspended in the Zanzibar archipelago.

Despite the heightened preparations, the storm resulted in heavier-than-normal rainfall in coastal regions but fortunately did not lead to any reported casualties or significant damage.

Tanzania has been grappling with severe weather conditions in recent weeks, with at least 155 fatalities attributed to floods and landslides triggered by unusually heavy rains associated with the El Nino weather pattern.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Kenya, where similar precautions were taken ahead of Cyclone Hidaya, the toll from flood-related incidents has reached 210 casualties.