Volunteers are helping to clear debris from the roads in the Mbaraki area of Mombasa County, Kenya, after a cyclone caused destruction on May 21, 2024.
The cyclone, known as Ialy, escalated from a tropical storm and brought strong winds, rain, and high waves to the Indian Ocean, resulting in two deaths and six injuries in Kenya’s coastal region on Tuesday evening.
Police in Kilifi County confirmed the tragic death of a young schoolgirl after the strong winds ripped the roof off a classroom, and another individual died when a wall collapsed.
According to a police report obtained by the Nation, the strong winds caused damage to the walls of Salima Gasses Kenya Limited, resulting in the death of one worker at Rabai Sub-County Hospital.
Two workers were injured by falling debris, with one ultimately passing away at Rabai Sub-County Hospital and the other being transferred to Mombasa Hospital for further treatment.
The cyclone also caused significant damage in Gogoraruhe village, injuring five pupils at Gogoraruhe Mosque ECDE School. Unfortunately, one of the injured children, a four-year-old girl, passed away during treatment at Mariakani Sub-County Hospital.
The remaining four pupils sustained injuries to their heads and limbs and are currently receiving medical care. Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya stated that several schools in the county suffered damage from the strong winds.
Residents in the Coast region are grappling with disruptions to essential services, including power and water supply, due to the aftermath of the cyclone. The Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWDA) advised the public of interruptions in water supply affecting Kilifi and Mombasa counties.
Multiple areas in Mombasa and Kilifi were still without power by Wednesday afternoon, following power cable damage from falling trees. The Kenya Meteorological Department mentioned that Cyclone Ialy was projected to dissipate by Wednesday after its unexpected intensity near the coast.
