Strong winds from Tropical Cyclone IALY wreaked havoc on the Kenyan coast, claiming the lives of at least two people, including a four-year-old pupil, and causing widespread property damage.
The tragedy unfolded as the winds hit Gogoraruhe Mosque ECD School, destroying its roof and resulting in the death of a young pupil. Five others were rushed to Mariakani Sub County Hospital, where one more pupil succumbed to injuries, and four were admitted with various head injuries.
In Rabai’s Mwele area, the winds blew away the roof of a godown, leading to serious injuries to two employees at Salima Gases Kenya Limited. Tragically, one of them, Elvis Wasi Changawa, 32, succumbed to his injuries.
The chaos extended to Kilifi North Sub County offices, where the parking lot roof was blown off, damaging two Ford Ranger cars. Additionally, a structure at Mbaraki Girls Comprehensive School in Mombasa had its roof blown off.
The Kenya Red Cross Society reported extensive destruction in various residential areas, including blown-off roofs and toppled electric poles, leading to power outages in Casuarina, Olimpia, Madunguni, and Garashi.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings about potential destruction to marine activities due to Tropical Cyclone IALY, a historic event in the South–West Indian Ocean. Strong southerly winds and waves of 1.5 to 3.6 meters were expected along the Kenyan coast, prompting advisories for small boats and crafts to avoid deep-sea areas.
Director David Gikungu noted that while IALY was expected to weaken by Wednesday, rough sea conditions would persist due to moderately strong southerly winds.
As authorities assess the damages caused by the cyclone, communities along the coast remain on alert, bracing for the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
