On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Tanzania experienced a massive power outage as Cyclone Hidaya approached the country's coastline. The cause of the power outage was a malfunction in Tanesco's national power grid transmission system. Areas affected by both the blackout and the cyclone include Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Lindi Region, Mafia Island and Mtwara. As Tanzania braced for Cyclone Hidaya's impact, heavy rains and strong winds hit coastal areas of the country. The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) is working to restore power to all remaining areas affected by the outage.
Cyclone Hidaya brought heavy rains and strong winds with maximum speeds of 120 kph (33 mph) and powerful gusts. Ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar were suspended due to the approaching cyclone. Authorities warned residents to exercise caution as the intensity of Cyclone Hidaya increased.
The Tanzania Red Cross Society has been carrying out preparedness campaigns along the coast, as heavy rains and flooding have already caused significant damage in Tanzania and the rest of East Africa. Over 200,000 people have been affected by weeks of flooding in the region, resulting in the deaths of at least 155 people.
As Cyclone Hidaya continued to move towards Tanzania's coastline, coastal areas experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds. The regions of Lindi, Mtwara, Pwani and Dar es Salaam were expected to be heavily affected by the cyclone along with Zanzibar Island and neighboring areas. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) reported that Cyclone Hidaya was located near the coast of Kilwa in the Lindi Region, approximately 230 kilometers from the coast of Mafia Island and 170 kilometers from the coast of Zanzibar, with atmospheric pressure of about 985 hPa and wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour.
As a result, Tanzania's coastal areas faced episodes of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Ferry services between the mainland and Zanzibar remained suspended, while residents were advised to remain cautious as Cyclone Hidaya continued its destructive path towards the coast.
