- The Authority said the latest observation has shown that the country is no longer experiencing the cyclone as its strength has reduced significantly for more than six hours now.
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Tanzania Meteorological Authority has announced Tropical Cyclone Hidaya has ended in their country.
The Authority said the latest observation has shown that the country is no longer experiencing the cyclone as its strength has reduced significantly for more than six hours now.
"The trend and patterns of weather systems indicate that in the past six hours, Tropical Cyclone Hidaya has completely lost its strength following its landfall at Mafia Island earlier today," TMA said.
"The remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the Tropical Cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of our country, particularly in Lindo, Mtwara, Morogoro and neighbouring areas. Therefore there is no further threat of Tropical Cyclone Hidaya in our country."
The cyclone left a trail of destruction in Tanzania with several houses in Mafia Island destroyed.
Ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar were suspended for safety reasons.
The Kenyan Meteorological Department had asked Kenyans living in the Coastal areas to be cautious as Cyclone Hidaya could hit anytime.
Residents were also asked to stay informed by regularly checking the latest weather forecasts and updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
"Seek guidance from experts in relevant fields to mitigate potential impacts. Stay safe and prepared!" Kenya Met said.
Heavy rainfall is expected offshore along the Kenyan coast from Sunday, May 5, intensifying on Monday, May 6, to Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
The effects of the cyclone are already being felt offshore, with strong winds exceeding 40 knots (20.6 m/s) and large waves surpassing two meters.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki Saturday banned beach activities on the coastline amid fears that Cyclone Hidaya could make landfall anytime.
The affected activities included fishing, swimming and non-essential transport.
He directed security agencies to effect the directive.
"The County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu Counties in collaboration with the Kenya Coast Guard Service(KCGS) are directed to immediately issue notices and to strictly enforce a ban on beach activities," he said in a statement on Saturday.
He further ordered the evacuation of settlements deemed too close to the shoreline effective Saturday, May 4, at 5 pm.
Kindiki said the shoreline should remain out of bounds until midnight, Monday, May 6, when Cyclone Hidaya is expected to expire.
"As a precautionary measure, activities within Kenya’s territorial waters, along the beaches and within settlements adjacent to the shoreline will have to be disrupted for public safety reasons," he said.
He said this is due to information that points to the possibility of risk to life and property within the areas.
The CS said scientific tracking of Cyclone Hidaya has established that the Cyclone has now acquired full status with the capability of remaining so until it hits Kenya's Coast any time.
He said the cyclone could generate massive precipitation with strong winds and powerful waves capable of significantly disrupting normal activities within Kenya’s territorial waters in the Indian Ocean as well as human settlements along the Kenyan Coast.