Cyclone Hidaya has significantly weakened as it approached the coastline of Tanzania, according to the country’s meteorology department. Despite the weakening, officials have warned residents to remain cautious as the cyclone is still forecasted to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the country through Sunday. The exact maximum wind speeds of the cyclone have not been disclosed by the meteorology department. As heavy rains and strong winds hit Tanzania, a major blackout affected most of the country on Saturday, exacerbating the situation following weeks of flooding in the region. Ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar were suspended as Hidaya approached with maximum winds of 120 kph and powerful gusts. Reports of trees falling due to the strong winds were received from Mafia island by Saturday afternoon.
Residents were urged to exercise caution as the intensity of the cyclone continued to increase, with more than usual amounts of rainfall being recorded in coastal areas overnight. The Tanzania Red Cross Society has been actively conducting preparedness campaigns along the coast to help communities brace for the impact of the cyclone. This comes in the wake of heavy rains and flooding that have ravaged Tanzania and other parts of East Africa in recent weeks, resulting in the deaths of 155 people and affecting over 200,000 others. The significance of such extreme weather events underscores the need for communities and authorities to prioritize disaster preparedness and resilience measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
As Cyclone Hidaya approached the East African coast, it brought with it heavy rains and strong winds, prompting authorities to issue warnings to residents to take necessary precautions. The severe weather conditions also led to a major blackout in Tanzania, further complicating the situation following weeks of flooding in the region. Ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar were halted, and reports of trees falling due to the strong winds were shared by local media. While the cyclone has weakened, the potential for continued heavy rain and strong winds through Sunday remains a cause for concern for residents in affected areas.
The Tanzania Red Cross Society has been actively involved in carrying out preparedness campaigns along the coast to help communities brace for the impact of Cyclone Hidaya. With heavy rains and flooding already causing significant damage in Tanzania and other parts of East Africa, the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters has become increasingly evident. The recent fatalities and widespread displacement of over 200,000 individuals highlight the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience-building efforts in vulnerable communities. As authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the cyclone’s progress, residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure their well-being during this challenging period.
The impact of Cyclone Hidaya on Tanzania has underscored the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of extreme weather events. With the cyclone bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the country, residents are urged to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The suspension of ferry services and reports of damage caused by the cyclone highlight the disruptive nature of such natural disasters and the importance of readiness in vulnerable communities. As the Tanzania Red Cross Society and other organizations continue to support affected areas, efforts to build resilience and enhance preparedness will be crucial in mitigating the impact of future disasters. The collaboration between authorities, humanitarian agencies, and local communities will be essential in navigating through the aftermath of Cyclone Hidaya and working towards long-term disaster resilience.
