US and Britain Issues Urgent Travel Advisory as Kenya and Tanzania Brace for Cyclone Hidaya

Amidst impending Cyclone Hidaya, Kenya and Tanzania face crisis. Britain and US issues travel alert. Urgent measures taken as storm looms.

As Cyclone Hidaya approaches, Kenya and Tanzania are preparing for severe weather impacts, building on already destructive torrential rains in East Africa. These rains have resulted in the deaths of over 350 individuals and displaced thousands from their homes.

In Kenya, flooding since March has taken 188 lives and displaced 165,000 people, with 90 still unaccounted for, according to the interior ministry. The ministry has issued a warning for citizens to stay vigilant.

Tanzania is also facing severe conditions, with floods and landslides claiming at least 155 lives. The Tanzania Red Cross Society noted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Cyclone Hidaya is likely to exacerbate conditions with heavy rainfall and strong winds in coastal areas.

In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, the Meteorological Department anticipates intense rainfall over the next few days, cautioning residents about strong winds and significant ocean swells along the coastline. They also warned of potential flash floods and lightning strikes.

President Ruto has mobilized the Kenyan military to assist in evacuating residents from high-risk flood areas. The tourism industry, crucial to Kenya’s economy, has suffered as well, with approximately 100 tourists stranded in the Maasai Mara game reserve. Although rescuers have evacuated most, access remains hindered, and local employment is severely impacted.

In a particularly tragic incident near Mai Mahiu, a dam burst claimed the lives of dozens, with ongoing searches for the missing.

Internationally, the U.S. and Britain have issued travel advisories for Kenya due to the extreme weather. Global leaders, including Pope Francis and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have extended condolences and support in response to the disaster.

These extreme weather events are intensified by the El Nino phenomenon, which is associated with significant shifts in weather patterns globally, including increased rainfall in some regions and drought in others.

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