Cyclone Threatens Kenya and Tanzania as Devastating Rains Claim over 350 Lives in East Africa

In Nairobi, Kenya and Tanzania are bracing for a cyclone following devastating torrential rains, resulting in 350 deaths and displacing tens of thousands.

Since March, floods have claimed 188 lives in Kenya, displacing 165,000 people with 90 missing as warned by the government to stay alert.

The office of President William Ruto in Kenya cautioned of Cyclone Hidaya, bringing heavy rainfall, large waves, and strong winds that could impact marine activities in the Indian Ocean.

Neighboring Tanzania, where at least 155 people have died from flooding and landslides, is also expected to feel the effects of the cyclone.

The Tanzania Red Cross Society mentioned that the cyclone will affect the country’s weather patterns with heavy rain and strong winds near the Indian Ocean.

Kenya Meteorological Department warned of heavy rains in Nairobi and surrounding areas over the next two days due to the cyclone.

In Burundi, unseasonable rains have caused 29 deaths and displaced thousands, impacting the tourism sector as well, with 100 tourists stranded in Maasai Mara.

The devastating floods have led Kenya’s government to evacuate flood-prone areas with military support and ordered the evacuation of people living near major rivers or dams.

Economic activities have been disrupted with tourists stranded and lodges flooded in the Maasai Mara reserve, affecting over 500 locals who are temporarily out of work.

While no fatalities have been reported in the area, the communities around have been forced to relocate due to the overflowing rivers.

As concerns grow over the situation, worries about waterborne diseases emerge, with no exit route available for those stranded in the reserve.

In the deadliest incident in Kenya, scores died when a dam burst in the Rift Valley, with many still missing as rescue efforts continue.

Critics have accused the government of being ill-prepared for the disaster despite weather warnings, prompting international travel advisories from the U.S. and Britain.

Condolences and support have poured in from around the globe in response to the crisis caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon exacerbating the heavy rains.