Kindiki bans beach activities as Cyclone Hidaya looms

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has issued a ban on beach activities along the coastline amid concerns over the imminent arrival of Cyclone Hidaya.

The CS has instructed security agencies to enforce the directive, ensuring the immediate cessation of beach activities such as fishing, swimming, and non-essential transport within Kenya’s territorial waters.

"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 issue notices promptly and enforce a ban on beach activities," he stated in a Saturday announcement.

Moreover, he has mandated the evacuation of settlements deemed to be in close proximity to the shoreline, effective Saturday, May 4, at 5 p.m.

Kindiki has emphasized that access to the shoreline must be restricted until midnight on Monday, May 6, when Cyclone Hidaya is expected to dissipate.

"As a precautionary measure, all activities within Kenya’s territorial waters, along the beaches, and in settlements adjacent to the shoreline will be disrupted for public safety reasons," he emphasized.

The CS has cautioned residents living near the beaches of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu counties against participating in fishing, swimming, or recreational activities due to the potential risk to life and property.

He highlighted that scientific tracking of Cyclone Hidaya has confirmed its full status and warned of the potential for heavy precipitation, strong winds, and powerful waves upon its landfall along Kenya's Coast.

Earlier reports from the Kenya Meteorological Department indicated that Tropical Cyclone Hidaya had already made landfall on the Tanzanian coast.

In response to this development, Kenya Met has initiated close monitoring of the situation.

"Current observations indicate that Tropical Cyclone Hidaya has made landfall on the coast of Tanzania. However, there is another depression developing behind it, which the Department is monitoring closely," Kenya Met reported.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant by staying updated with the latest weather forecasts and information from the Kenya Meteorological Department.

"Consult with experts in relevant fields to mitigate potential impacts. Stay safe and prepared!" Kenya Met advised.

The forecast indicates heavy rainfall offshore along the Kenyan coast from Sunday, May 5, intensifying through Monday, May 6, to Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Already, the effects of the cyclone are being felt offshore, with strong winds exceeding 40 knots (20.6 m/s) and large waves exceeding two meters.