People are getting ready for a cyclone in Kenya and Tanzania. This is happening after very heavy rains in East Africa. These rains have caused big problems, including killing more than 350 people and making tens of thousands leave their homes.
Since March, floods in Kenya have taken the lives of 188 people. These floods have also forced 165,000 people out of their homes. Ninety people are reported missing. The government is telling everyone to stay alert and be careful.
Kenya’s President William Ruto’s office has said that a cyclone named Hidaya is likely to hit the coastal areas. This cyclone will bring heavy rain, big waves, and strong winds. This could affect activities in the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania, Kenya’s neighbor, is also expecting bad weather from the cyclone. In Tanzania, flooding and landslides have already killed at least 155 people.
The Tanzania Red Cross Society has said that the cyclone will affect the country’s weather, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, especially in regions near the Indian Ocean.
In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, heavy rains are expected in the next two days, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The heavy rains have also caused problems in Burundi. At least 29 people have died there, and 175 have been injured since last September. Many people have been forced out of their homes.
The tourism sector in Kenya has been affected by the floods. About 100 tourists got stuck in the Maasai Mara wildlife reserve because of flooding. They were rescued later, but the area is still hard to reach because of damaged bridges. This has affected more than 500 locals who work there.
One of the worst incidents in Kenya was when a dam burst near Mai Mahiu in the Rift Valley. Many villagers died, and others are still missing.
Kenya’s President Ruto has ordered the military to evacuate everyone living in areas prone to flooding.
Some people have criticized the government for not being prepared and for responding slowly to the crisis, despite warnings about the weather. They want the government to declare the floods a national disaster.
The United States and Britain have told their citizens to be careful when traveling to Kenya because of the bad weather.
Many countries and organizations around the world have sent condolences and promised to help. The United Arab Emirates has sent two planes carrying 80 tons of relief supplies to Kenya.
The heavy rains are partly because of the El Niño weather pattern. This pattern can cause extreme weather, like droughts and heavy rains, in different parts of the world.
