A major blackout plunged most of Tanzania into darkness on Saturday as Cyclone Hidaya brought heavy rains and strong winds to the country. The cyclone, which had maximum winds of 120 kph (33 mph) and powerful gusts, prompted authorities to suspend ferry services between Tanzania's commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.

Cyclone Hidaya approached the East African coast, causing alarm among authorities who issued warnings to residents to exercise caution. The Tanzania Red Cross Society has been actively conducting preparedness campaigns along the coast in response to the cyclone threat.

The adverse weather conditions, which were intensified by weeks of flooding in the region, resulted in more significant amounts of rainfall in coastal areas overnight. These heavy rains contributed to the ongoing flooding crisis in Tanzania and Kenya during the monsoon season.

According to official reports, flooding in Tanzania claimed the lives of 155 people and affected over 200,000 individuals, as disclosed by the prime minister in April. In Kenya, 70 people have tragically lost their lives since the start of the monsoon season in March, according to a government official.

As Cyclone Hidaya continues to approach and the intensity of the cyclone increases, the residents of Tanzania are urged to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities. The suspension of ferry services and the major blackout serve as reminders of the significant impact such natural disasters can have on daily life and infrastructure in affected regions.

Efforts are underway to manage the aftermath of the severe weather, with the Tanzania Red Cross Society actively engaged in response and recovery operations. As the cyclone progresses, authorities will closely monitor and assess the situation to provide necessary support to affected communities.

In these challenging times, it is crucial for residents in Tanzania and Kenya to prioritize their safety, follow official guidance, and support one another as they navigate through the impact of the cyclone and ongoing flooding.