Africa

Tanzania Meteorological Authority warns of emerging Cyclone Ialy

Detailed event map. Map produced by EC-JRC.

By Bashir Mohammed | Saturday, May 18, 2024

TMA has advised sea users and the general public to stay informed by monitoring forecast updates and adhering to guidance from meteorological experts.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a forecast warning of a new tropical cyclone, named Ialy, forming in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar.

In a statement released on May 17, 2024, TMA indicated that Cyclone Ialy will remain in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands for the next four days before it starts to weaken.

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“Due to the distance from the country, the cyclone is not expected to have a direct impact on causing increased rainfall in the country. However, periods of strong winds and high waves may occur in the Indian Ocean,” the statement read.

TMA has advised sea users and the general public to stay informed by monitoring forecast updates and adhering to guidance from meteorological experts. The authority continues to monitor the cyclone's progress and its potential effects on weather systems, promising to provide timely updates as necessary.

Dar es Salaam, 17 Mei 2024:

Mamlaka ya Hali ya Hewa Tanzania (TMA) inatoa taarifa ya uwepo wa kimbunga “IALY” katika Bahari ya Hindi kaskazini mwa kisiwa cha Madagascar.

Kwa taarifa zaidi tembelea https://t.co/K0zVP2RUDM pic.twitter.com/iUXgjJ9D45
— Tanzania Meteorological Authority (@tma_services) May 17, 2024

This forecast comes after Cyclone Hidaya struck Tanzania's southeastern coast on May 4, 2024. Cyclone Hidaya had devastating effects on the Mtwara, Lindi, Coast, and Morogoro regions.

The cyclone, characterised by heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulted in the deaths of five people in Kilwa District and injuries to seven others. It also severely impacted 7,027 households, affecting a total of 18,862 people.

The cyclone's aftermath saw 2,098 houses damaged, with 678 completely destroyed, 877 partially damaged, and 543 submerged. The Tanzanian government is still addressing the extensive damage left in Hidaya's wake.

Fortunately, the cyclone lost strength after making landfall in Tanzania, sparing Kenya's coastal region from its brunt.