United States and Britain issue travel warnings as Kenya and Tanzania prepare for cyclone | Travel Advisory

Kenya and Tanzania are facing a looming threat as a cyclone approaches, following devastating torrential rains that have wreaked havoc in East Africa. The death toll has surpassed 350 people, with tens of thousands displaced from their homes.

In Kenya, the floods have claimed 188 lives since March and displaced 165,000 people, with 90 individuals reported missing. The government has issued warnings for citizens to remain vigilant as Cyclone Hidaya is expected to bring heavy rainfall, large waves, and strong winds to the coastal region.

Neighboring Tanzania has also been hit hard, with at least 155 people killed in flooding and landslides. The Tanzania Red Cross Society has warned of the impact of Cyclone Hidaya on the country’s weather patterns, predicting heavy rain and strong winds in regions near the Indian Ocean.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rains in Nairobi and urged residents to be cautious of flash floods and lightning strikes. The ongoing heavy rains have also caused casualties in Burundi, with at least 29 lives lost and thousands displaced.

The devastation has affected Kenya’s tourism sector, with over 100 tourists stranded in the Maasai Mara wildlife reserve due to flooding. The area is currently inaccessible, with bridges washed away and lodges and safari camps flooded. The government has deployed the military to evacuate residents in flood-prone areas and issued mandatory evacuation orders for those living near major rivers and dams.

The international community has expressed solidarity with the affected countries, with the United States and Britain issuing travel warnings for Kenya. The extreme weather conditions have been exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and response to climate-related disasters.