Massive power outage hits Tanzania as tropical cyclone Hidaya approaches

• Tanzania has experienced a massive power outage that has affected most parts of the country as it braces for the impact of the fast-approaching tropical cyclone Hidaya

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania prepares for the impact of tropical cyclone Hidaya, some of which are already being felt in some coastal areas, the country's only power supplier, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), has issued a statement indicating that there has been a malfunction in the national power grid transmission system since around 2:40 am Saturday night, May 4, 2024, resulting in some areas of the country experiencing power outages.

As of now, power has begun to be restored in some areas, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Iringa.

Tanesco says its engineers are continuing to work to restore power to all remaining areas.

As the cyclone approaches, citizens are urged to have all their battery-powered devices fully charged so as not to lose communication due to intermittent power supply.

Coastal areas

Currently, some coastal areas of the country are experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), has continued to issue updates on the movement of the tropical cyclone, with forecasts showing that the hurricane is still headed towards Tanzania's coastal areas.

TMA has stated that as of 9 pm yesterday, May 3, 2024, Cyclone Hidaya was located in the ocean approximately 230 kilometres off the coast of Kilwa (Lindi Region) and 170 kilometres off the coast of Mafia Island, with an atmospheric pressure of about 985 hPa and wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Today, May 4, 2024, it is expected to continue causing episodes of heavy rainfall and strong winds in coastal areas, especially in the regions of Lindi, Mtwara, Pwani, and Dar es Salaam, as well as Zanzibar Island and neighbouring areas.

TMA has noted that, as previously predicted, the presence of Cyclone Hidaya near the coast of Tanzania continues to influence weather systems in some areas. Over the past 12 hours, periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds have persisted, as observed in weather stations in Mtwara, Kilwa, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, where winds exceeding 40 kilometres per hour have been recorded at various times since yesterday afternoon.