Power blackouts hit Tanzania as Cyclone Hidaya intensifies

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Cyclone Hidaya weakened significantly as it approached Tanzania’s coast, the country’s meteorological department said Saturday.

Authorities, however, warned residents to remain cautious as the cyclone brings heavy rain and strong winds to the country until Sunday. The weather service did not say what the cyclone’s updated maximum wind speeds were.

A major power outage hit most of Tanzania on Saturday as heavy rain and strong winds from Hidaya hit the country. weeks of flooding in the region.

Ferry services between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial hub, and Zanzibar were suspended as Hidaya approached the east African coast with maximum winds of 120 km/h (33 mph) and powerful gusts .

Reports of falling trees due to strong winds on Mafia Island were shared by local media on Saturday afternoon.

Authorities have warned residents to exercise caution as the intensity of the cyclone increases.

The weather service said higher than usual amounts of precipitation were recorded in coastal areas overnight. The Tanzanian Red Cross is conducting preparedness campaigns along the coast.

Heavy rains and floods in recent weeks in Tanzania and the rest of East Africa have killed some 155 people, authorities said. More than 200,000 other people were affected.