Kenyans Warned of Cyclone Jobo Approaching the East African Coast

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has asked Kenyans residing along the coastline to watch out for Tropical Cyclone Jobo, which is approaching the East African coast.

The agency said the storm is expected to hit the Kenyan coastline at midnight on Monday, with Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale likely to be the most affected areas.

Located near Madagascar in the South Indian Ocean, Cyclone Jobo is equivalent to a strong tropical storm with winds just shy of 100 kph, CNN reported.

Heavy rainfall and possible flooding are expected of the phenomenon within 24 hours as it makes landfall, according to reports.

KMA says emergency response teams have been deployed at the coast, with sea operations scaled down.

“KMA has directed all operating vessels, passengers, and the general public venturing into the Indian ocean to refrain,” the authority said in a statement.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has directed ships to put in place necessary measures to secure the vessels against the force brought about by strong winds.

Such measures include doubling of mooring lines, keeping ships close to the shoreline, and ensuring the crew is on high alert.

In Tanzania, authorities warned citizens to keep off the ocean shores due to the tropical cyclone.

Agnes Kijazi, the head of the Tanzania Meteorological Agency said, “The storm is expected to affect the Zanzibar archipelago as well as the Mafia Island. Dar es Salaam will also be affected by severe weather.”