Cyclone Hidaya has completely lost its strength, Tanzania announces

Hidaya, which had been projected to make landfall in Tanzania and Kenya this weekend lost its strength after hitting Mafia Island on Saturday, May 4, 2024. 

The cyclone left a trail of destruction in Mafia Island, which is located about 130 kilometres south-east of Dar es Salaam. 

"The remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the Tropical Cyclone have been observed to weaken and spreading out in various areas of the southern region of our country, particularly in Lindi, Mtwara, Morogoro and neighboring areas," reads a statement from TMA. 

Tanzanians have however been advised to remain vigilant and take heed to ant forecast information for their safety amid torrential rains.

On Saturday noon, Kenya was spared from the cyclone's wrath owing to the Equator.

The Kenya Meteorological Department said that Kenya will feel the effects of the cyclone but it will be "from the fringes."

"Indeed, we will feel the effects from the fringes of the tropical cyclone, but it will weaken to become a depression. The eye of the cyclone will make landfall just about or below 5°S from the equator," said the meteorological department.

The Kenyan weatherman was responding to questions stemming from a five-year statement they made when another cyclone, Kenneth, was headed our way.

After a myriad of questions online, the department replied: "The physics laws governing cyclone formation remain unchanged. Indeed, we will feel the effects from the fringes of the tropical cyclone, but it will weaken to become a depression. The eye of the cyclone will make landfall just about or below 5°S from the equator."

The East African region has been receiving heavy rainfall over the past few months which has led to deaths and displacements.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports this disaster so far has killed more than 400 people. This includes at least 210 in Kenya, more than 150 in Tanzania and others in Burundi, Rwanda and Somalia.