Cyclone Hidaya: This is what to look out for as Kenya readies for worst hurricane yet

By Victor MUJIDU

The heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow their banks, leading to widespread flooding in several counties. The Kenyan government is urging residents in high-risk areas to move to higher ground and seek shelter in safer locations.

Rescue teams have been dispatched to assist with the evacuation efforts, and emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced by the flooding. The government is also providing aid to those affected, including food, water, and medical supplies.

In addition to the flooding, landslides have also been reported in some areas, further adding to the challenges faced by residents. The government is urging everyone to exercise caution and stay away from areas prone to landslides.

The extreme weather conditions are expected to continue for the coming days, and the government is advising everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Stay tuned to local weather updates and follow the instructions of emergency responders to stay safe during this challenging time.

Similarly, the Met Department said that Cyclone Hidaya might soon make landfall in the coastal area in response to the persistently high rainfall that the nation is experiencing.

In advance of the adversity, the government urged residents in coastal counties, such as Kilifi, Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, and Taita-Taveta counties, to evacuate to safer places that are less prone to flooding.

A similar order was issued to counties including Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Murang’a, Nyeri, Machakos, and Makueni as a result of the impact the heavy rains have brought, leaving thousands homeless.

The World Meteorological Organization defines a tropical cyclone as a fast-rotating storm that forms over tropical oceans and is also known as a hurricane or typhoon. Tropical Cyclone Hidaya is reported to have formed on Wednesday over the South Indian Ocean, northeast of Comoros and east of Tanzania.

Cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on their location, are powerful and devastating weather systems that can bring about destruction and loss of life.

These storms are formed when warm ocean water heats the air above it, causing it to rise and create an area of low pressure. This low pressure system then draws in more warm, moist air from the surrounding area, creating a spinning pattern known as a cyclone.

As the cyclone continues to grow and strengthen, it can produce high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and tornadoes.

The impact of a cyclone can be widespread and severe, causing damage to buildings, infrastructure, and agricultural crops. In some cases, cyclones can also lead to flooding, landslides, and power outages, further exacerbating the destruction.

The effects of a cyclone can be particularly devastating in coastal areas, where storm surges can lead to widespread flooding and coastal erosion. In addition, the high winds and heavy rainfall associated with cyclones can cause widespread damage to homes, businesses, and other structures.

Overall, cyclones can have a significant impact on the environment, economy, and human population of affected areas. It is important for communities to be prepared for these storms by having emergency plans in place and staying informed about weather developments.

Additionally, efforts to mitigate the impacts of cyclones, such as improving infrastructure and disaster preparedness, can help to reduce the destruction caused by these powerful storms.

The effects of cyclone damage are then classified based on severity as being minimal, moderate, extensive, and catastrophic.

Scientists claim that climate change increases the power and destructiveness of cyclones. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, most of tropical Africa is expected to experience an increase in the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events as a result of global warming. This ultimately translates into a far higher chance of floods.

Since the 1970s, Africa has seen a four-fold increase in storm frequency and a more than two-fold increase in cyclone frequency due to ocean warming. This means that throughout the cyclone season, which usually lasts from November to March, there will be three cyclones on average that form off the Indian Ocean. During the 2021-2022 season, Africa experienced six of them.

Sea level rise brought on by climate change is thought to have caused storm waves to climb more than they did in earlier decades.

The sea surface temperature rises as a result of global warming. This gives storms that form over the oceans more energy, which causes them to produce stronger winds and more intense rainfall, increasing their destructive potential.

As a result of global warming, scientists predict that cyclones will form in hitherto uncharted territory, increasing the areas with tropical seawater conditions.

Prevention and Mitigation Measures

While it’s impossible to prevent cyclones from forming due to their natural and complex atmospheric processes, effective mitigation strategies can significantly reduce their impact on human lives and infrastructure.

By implementing early warning systems, robust infrastructure planning, rural development measures, education and awareness programs, emergency response preparedness, and fostering international cooperation, communities can better prepare for and respond to cyclones.

These measures not only save lives but also minimize economic losses and facilitate quicker recovery after cyclone events.

Cyclone mitigation requires a multi-faceted and collaborative approach involving governments, communities, scientists, and international organizations to build resilience and adapt to the challenges posed by these powerful storms.

The US embassy is Kenya had this to say: The remnants of Indian Ocean Cyclone Hidaya are predicted to impact Kenya in the coming days. Meteorological reports indicate that very heavy rains will affect central Kenya, including Nairobi, beginning Sunday, May 5th. The coastal region will likely experience strong rains, winds, and tidal swells. Kenyan President Ruto has ordered mandatory evacuations for those located near dams and in flood-prone areas across the country due to recent heavy rainfalls. Expect possible flooding, road closures, and dangerous boating conditions.