Tanzania: Moderate Tropical Storm Hidaya tracking westward over Pwani Region as of May 4 /update 3

Moderate Tropical Storm Hidaya is tracking westward over Pwani Region. Tanzania, May 4, having made landfall over Mafia Island and southeastern Pwani early May 4. As of 15:00 EAT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 125 km (78 miles) southwest of Dar es Salaam.

Forecast models indicate the system will weaken into a zone of disturbed weather and dissipate as it tracks northwestward inland into Morogoro Region through early May 5. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.

As of May 4, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority has issued a warning for strong winds and large waves for regions along the Indian Ocean Coast, including Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Mtwara, Pwani, Tanga, and all island regions. Winds gusting up to 60 kph (37 mph) and waves over 2 meters (6.5 feet) are expected in coastal areas. Heavy rainfall is ongoing in eastern regions and the severe weather associated with the storm is likely to persist through at least May 6. Those residing in coastal areas have been advised to secure their properties, stock up on essential supplies, and heed any evacuation orders that are issued. Individuals engaged in maritime activities are advised to exercise extreme caution and should consider suspending operations until the storm passes. Ferry services between the east coast and the Indian Ocean island regions have been suspended from May 3 until further notice due to the storm. A malfunction in the national power grid transmission system occurred early May 4 as the storm approached eastern Tanzania, triggering widespread blackouts across the country; power has been restored in some areas as of late afternoon May 4, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Iringa.

Tanzania is still recovering from the heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides in recent weeks that have killed hundreds of people and caused widespread disruptions in many parts of the country. The heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Hidaya are likely to hamper recovery efforts and result in additional disruptions or fatalities.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.