This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
Weatherman Links Hostile Climate to Cyclone Belna ¶
Published on December 10, 2019
Kenya is experiencing unfavourable weather conditions attributed to a cyclone named Belna in the South Western Indian Ocean, which is indirectly influencing the climate in the country, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has said.
The KMD has warned of strong winds on the Coast until Friday, December 13, alerting residents and beach-goers to be on the lookout.
According to KMD Director Stella Aura, the wind speed over the Indian ocean along the Kenya coastline is 2.5 to 10m/s with wave heights of 0.6 to 1.5 metres.
Ms Aura dismissed claims that a cyclone named Belna is headed towards the Kenyan coast, explaining that Kenya’s location along the Equator does not allow it to be hit by the cyclone.
However, she said the cyclone was currently influencing the weather over the Coast indirectly, by creating weather conditions favourable to heavy rainfall in the southern parts of Kenya.
Heavy rains have continued to pound parts of the Kenyan Coast, displacing thousands in Kwale and Tana River counties.
The government has now chipped in to support flood victims in Kwale, Tana River and Taita Taveta counties.
Leaders have urged the national government to give the parts of Coast region that have been affected by the devastating weather equal attention to what is happening in other counties.
