Cyclone Hidaya Strikes Tanzania, Causes Extensive Damage and Blackouts

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Cyclone Hidaya, described as the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded in Tanzania, wrought significant havoc over the weekend with heavy rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding.

The cyclone struck following weeks of already severe flooding in the region, which has resulted in over 150 fatalities.

A major blackout affected most of the country on Saturday, disrupting daily activities and leaving many without power as the nation braced for the cyclone.

The intensity of the cyclone, with winds comparable to a Category 1 hurricane, prompted the suspension of ferry services between Tanzania’s commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, isolating the island and impacting both residents and businesses.

The National Weather Service reported unusually high rainfall levels along the coast from Friday night into Saturday. Forecasters have issued warnings that flooding may continue to worsen throughout the weekend, posing further risks to already vulnerable areas.

The heavy rainfall has already disrupted transportation, with numerous roads becoming impassable. This has caused chaos for commuters and small businesses, many of which are struggling to cope with the adverse conditions.

Authorities estimate that more than 200,000 people have been affected by the cyclone and the preceding weeks of flooding.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Hidaya, emergency services and disaster response teams are actively working to assess the full extent of the damage and to provide necessary aid to those impacted. The severity of this cyclone underscores the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region.