From Sunday onward, heavy rainfall is anticipated along the Indian Ocean coastal strip, with intensification expected over the subsequent two days.

Coastal regions of Kenya and Tanzania experienced severe weather conditions on Saturday as a tropical cyclone brought heavy rains and high winds, exacerbating the havoc caused by deadly floods in the area.

On the same day, Tanzania's power distributing company announced a widespread blackout due to a failure in the power grid, affecting most parts of the country.

Reports indicated heavy rainfall and strong winds in coastal areas such as Mtwara and Lindi in Tanzania, with forecasts suggesting that Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial hub, could also be impacted.

In recent weeks, East Africa has witnessed over 400 fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands of people due to torrential rains triggering floods and landslides, which have swept away homes, roads, and bridges.

The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a bulletin on Saturday, warning of the approaching Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, with strong winds exceeding 40 knots and waves over two meters observed offshore. Heavy rainfall along the Indian Ocean coastal strip was anticipated to intensify from Sunday, persisting over the following days.

According to current observations, Tropical Cyclone Hidaya has made landfall on the coast of Tanzania, with another depression developing behind it.

As of now, there has been no immediate confirmation from Tanzanian authorities.

In its most recent update earlier on Saturday, the Tanzanian Meteorological Authority reported strong winds and heavy rain along the coast overnight.

In the Mtwara area, 75.5 millimeters (three inches) of rain were recorded in 12 hours, surpassing the average May rainfall of 54 millimeters.

The Tanzanian agency has advised residents in high-risk areas and those engaged in marine activities to take maximum precautions.

The Climate Prediction and Applications Centre for the East African trade bloc IGAD had forecasted on Friday that Cyclone Hidaya would reach peak gusts of 165 kilometers (100 miles) per hour upon landfall.

Typically, the cyclone season in the southwest Indian Ocean spans from November to April, with approximately a dozen storms occurring each year.

Kenyan President William Ruto, on Friday, described the weather situation as "dire" and indefinitely postponed the reopening of schools due to the impending arrival of the nation's first-ever cyclone.

Government data indicates that around 210 individuals have lost their lives in Kenya due to flood-related incidents, with nearly 100 individuals reported missing. Additionally, approximately 165,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

In a televised address to the nation, Ruto stated, "No corner of our country has been spared from this havoc," emphasizing that unfortunately, the perilous period is far from over.

Opposition politicians and advocacy groups have criticized the government for its perceived lack of preparedness and slow response, despite weather warnings.

In Tanzania, floods and landslides have claimed the lives of at least 155 people, engulfing homes and ruining crops.

East Africa is particularly susceptible to climate change, and this year's rains have been exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern. El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon, typically brings increased heat globally, leading to drought in some regions and heavy rainfall in others.

The United Nations reported that the heavier-than-usual rains have claimed at least 29 lives in Burundi and displaced tens of thousands since September.

Weather-related fatalities have also been documented in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, expressed particular concern for thousands of displaced refugees in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Spokesperson Olga Sarrado Mur highlighted that these individuals are once again forced to flee for their lives after their homes were washed away.

Late last year, over 300 people lost their lives due to rains and floods in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. This occurred as the region was still grappling with its worst drought in four decades, exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities.