2024-05-03 15:13:02
Its president KenyaWilliam Ruto, has put the country on alert and postponed the reopening of schools indefinitely as residents feverishly prepare for his arrival first cyclone in the history of the country.
More than 350 people have died in torrential rains that have lashed east Africa since last March, and the region is now threatened by a cyclone expected to arrive at the weekend from the Indian Ocean.
“This cyclone, the Hidayawhich could hit us at any time, can bring torrential rains, strong winds and big, dangerous waves,” Ruto told a press conference in Nairobi.
“Our country must act quickly and decisively to limit the devastating consequences and protect lives and property,” he added.
REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
After the floods of the previous days, schools were supposed to reopen on Monday, but their opening was postponed indefinitely.
All government ministers have been directed to help coordinate the evacuation and relocation of Kenyans affected by the extreme weather.
Wind gusts of 165 km/h
Cyclone Hindaya, which will be accompanied by wind gusts of 165 kilometers per hour, is expected to reach the neighboring Tanzaniaaccording to the meteorological center ICPAC.
The country’s authorities earlier warned that Hidaya strengthened in the early hours, when it was about 400 kilometers from the city of Mtwara.
Cyclone season in the southwest Indian Ocean is usually from November to April.
With information from APE-MPE
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